World Cup Targets revised by govt

He said his ministry had managed to acquire sponsorship for 32 fan parks through seven corporates with one of them pledging $285 000 for each fan park they are sponsoring, a package which includes security and entertainment, among other things.Government is now focused on deliverables which include attracting at least 100 000 tourists to visit the country before and after the World Cup.A host of issues have been addressed by the Ministry of Finance and we are left with a few administrative issues, but those are minor," said Minister Mzembi.Government has revised downwards targets it had set for the forthcoming soccer World Cup, saying the macro-economic environment had made it difficult for them to achieve the goals they had aimed at fulfilling.We had false euphoria four years ago and we had made these grand plans but which we sadly can’t achieve because of lack of resources.But it has since emerged that all the 32 participating teams will set base in South Africa.Speaking at the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry’s Press briefing programme for World Cup 2010, Minister Walter Mzembi said Government had narrowed down its targets to a few key areas.Only the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has confirmed a brief stay in Zimbabwe at the end of May before they proceed to South Africa.It is of utmost importance that the people of Zimbabwe are connected to the World Cup as this offers an opportunity for us as people to be one.He added that as a country Zimbabwe is capable of attracting 30 percent of the soccer fans coming to South Africa to watch the games and that there is a window period of two weeks before the games begin to host teams and fans.So at the end of the day we realised that the nation wanted to solve its bigger problems through this tournament which was unrealistic," said Minister Mzembi.Some of the numerous targets included bringing in at least five international teams to camp in the country before the tournament.It offers a conducive environment for national healing as it will be a carnival atmosphere," said Minister Mzembi.

He said Cabinet had approved his report with regard to scouting for funds to resource the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.Minister Mzembi challenged ZTA to seek sponsors for more fan parks since his ministry had put 32 of them on the table through their own efforts.It appears more practical and economically better for a country on a recovery path to bring in tourists than a team to train in the country," he said.

He said his ministry has approved that all the 32 countries participating at the tournament should be put in Category B so that their fans can secure visas at their point of entry into the country to avoid inconveniencing tourists who intend to visit the country.Meanwhile, Government has set aside US$2 million for the importation of 40 LCD screens to be used at fan parks in rural areas during the World Cup, a move meant to ensure that the rural communities will not miss out on the opportunity to be part of Africa’s first global soccer fiesta.For example, the Ministry of Transport wanted US$3 billion for roads, Parks and Wildlife wanted US$1,3 million and ZBC wanted US$20 million.Different line ministries had put forward budgets that exceed the country’s Gross Domestic Product.