THE media has been instrumental in providing information on the August 2013 United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly from the time a bid to co-host the event was won to-date.

Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Kennedy Sakeni said efforts by the media should be supported by all stakeholders.

He was speaking at Protea Hotel yesterday at a media breakfast hosted for Livingstone-based journalists.

"But as preparations intensify, so should the efforts of the media in publicising and educating the public on this mega event which is set to leave a lasting impression on Zambia's tourism and economic fortunes.

"I, therefore, urge the media, particularly here in Livingstone to spare no effort in publicising the forthcoming UNWTO General Assembly before, during and after the event," he said.

Mr Sakeni said Zambia was on course in preparing for the UNWTO General Assembly as acknowledged by the Technical Team from the UNWTO secretariat in Spain which visited the country recently.

"Our preparations so far from logistics, conferencing to hospitality, point to a resounding successful UNWTO General Assembly this year in August," he said.

The minister urged Livingstone residents to be exemplary in their reception and hospitality towards visitors who flock to the tourist capital.