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Mr Chagonda

Liberty Dube Mutare Bureau
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority on Saturday lit up the carnival mood in the Eastern Highlands by hosting a series of promotional shows to market the Harare International Carnival scheduled for this week.

This year’s carnival, which will run from Friday to September 10, will be partly sponsored by Bigtime Strategic Group.

Although the authority held several road shows across the country, including in Mabvuku and Tafara in Harare, Chitungwiza, Marondera and Rusape, to market the 10-day jamboree, Mutare’s show was one of the most exhilarating.

The ZTA team set the forthcoming fiesta in motion with a fun-filled road show in Mutare’s Central Business District at Mutare Spar Supermarket before proceeding to Sakubva Musika and Dangamvura.

Lucky winners walked away with several prizes such as t-shirts and shirts.

The road shows accorded an opportunity for local artistes and dancers to showcase their talents.

Budding Zim-dancehall chanter, Diamond Kid, stole the show with a top drawer performance that charmed the ZTA crew led by head of corporate affairs, Mr Sugar Chagonda.

Residents expressed interest in participating in this year’s Harare edition which will be held under the theme: “One Love, Our Unity, Our Pride”.

Mr Chagonda said in an interview that the activation tours were meant to promote domestic tourism and market the Eastern Highlands as home to some of the most outstanding tourism sites in the country.

Eastern Highlands is home to scenic sites such as Chimanimani Mountains, Nyanga Mountain, Nyanga National Park, Bvumba Botanical Gardens and Bvumba Mountains, as well as Mtarazi Falls and Bridal Veil Falls in Honde Valley and Chimanimani.

“I believe these activation tours have been successful,” said Mr Chagonda. “We laud the role played by Eastern Highlands as one of the critical destinations in the country.

“The activation tours are meant to conscientise people about the socio-economic importance of the carnival to people of Manicaland and Zimbabweans at large.

“The carnival will play a critical role in destination marketing and in this case, Eastern Highlands will directly benefit through tourism business.”

Mr Chagonda was encouraged by the response they got from the people of Manicaland.

“The response was overwhelming,” he said. “We encourage tourism players and other individuals here in Manicaland to be part of the carnival and not being mere spectators.

“All technicalities are almost in place. We are looking forward to hosting a successful edition.”

Out of the 25 countries expected to participate, 23 countries who include, Brazil, India, Egypt, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Mozambique and Democratic Republic of Congo have confirmed.

The Samba Night and Street party to be held on September 8 and 9 respectively are some of the major highlights of the carnival.

Democratic Republic of Congo rhumba musician, Werrason, Jah Prayzah, Winky D, Suluman Chimbetu, Dr Malinga, Busiswa, Kalawa, Uhuru, Zodwa Wabantu, Soul Jah Love, Jayz Marabini, Sandra Ndebele, Baba and Mai Charamba are expected to take turns to entertain.