Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Walter Mzembi has instructed the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority to crack the whip on tourism facilities to ensure they meet world standards ahead of the United Nations World Tourism

Organisation general assembly slated for August in Victoria Falls.

Addressing journalists after touring construction work at the US$8,5 million Meikles Hotel north wing refurbishment project yesterday afternoon, Minister Mzembi said ZTA should toughen its stance to make all hotels compliant, ahead of the mega event.

"With the hosting of the UNWTO approaching, ZTA needs to make sure that they benchmark at the prevailing world class standards, if we are to host a successful UNWTO general assembly. So, on the ground it is important that we register real improvements in the quality of our service in reality, apart from meeting standards. I have discussed with ZTA chief executive to crack the whip on tourism facilities."