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“It is this recognition that has made UNWTO confer this status on them,’’ said Mr. Mzembi.

Mr. Mugabe has been in power for more than three decades and has been blamed for the economic ruin of a country that was once hailed the breadbasket of Africa.

His forced seizure of white-owned commercial farms led to sharp falls in production and precipitated the collapse of the agriculture-based economy. The country has rampant inflation, food and fuel shortages, high poverty and unemployment (the CIA Factbook lists unemployment at 95% for the latest year, 2008.) It has one of the highest HIV/AIDS rates in the world.

Mr. Mugabe is also the subject of a European travel ban because of allegations of human rights abuses.

The Canadian and U.S. governments both have issued advisories warning about the dangers of travelling in the country.

Canada says of the conditions in Zimbabwe, “Whilst the level of inflation has significantly been reduced over the last few months with the dollarization of the economy, the country is still suffering long standing hyperinflation side effects, generalized unemployment, food shortages and a cholera epidemic. While under control, the outbreak still presents health risks from cross-contamination and has killed thousands of people.”

And it warns tourists, “Travellers are advised to be extremely vigilant and avoid large crowds and public gatherings. The situation could deteriorate on short notice. Canadians in Zimbabwe should evaluate carefully the implications for their security and safety.