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Liberty Dube Mutare Bureau
THE just-ended fourth edition of the Harare International Carnival should be a learning curve for tourism players in the Eastern Highlands, says Zimbabwe Tourism Authority. Africa University, Mutare Polytechnic, Matedzi Cultural Group from Buhera and two Mozambican arts and musical groups, Chinho Raposo and Milorho participated at the fun filled festivities, which ended on Sunday.

“We believe participants from the Eastern Highlands have benefited from the carnival. This was an opportunity for them to showcase their services and products to local, regional and international markets and also to learn from others.

“Eastern Highlands is home to several scenic sites, which are critical to tourism as a country and meeting and building synergies with regional and international participants will help grow the tourism sector in the area.

“The fiesta lived up to expectations. The edition was a success and we would like to thank Government, Big Time Strategic Group, local and international participants who made the carnival a success,” ZTA’s head corporate affairs, Sugar Chagonda said.

Speaking at Harare International Carnival welcome reception, Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, said the carnival had played a critical role in promoting love and unity among nationalities as well as enriching cultural values.

“As Government, we recognise the importance of international carnivals in fostering love and unity among nationalities, in leading to a greater awareness of the rich heritage of various civilisations and in bringing about a better appreciation of the inherent values of different cultures, thereby contributing to the strengthening of peace and stability in the world. Locally, this helps us to market “Destination Zimbabwe”, to present and present the intangible cultural heritage of our beloved nation,” he said.

He commended the strategic partnership between the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and Big Time Strategic Group of South Africa saying it was clear demonstration of Government’s commitment to Public Private Partnership as enunciated in the Ten-Point Plan in 2015.

“It is, therefore, imperative to pursue the original carnival vision of spreading the carnival and its associated benefits to other cities and towns across Zimbabwe. Previous editions of the carnival have proved to be huge success despite the fact that the concept of carnivals in Zimbabwe is still in its infancy having just kicked off in 2013.”

Big Time Strategic Group will sponsor the carnival for the next three years. More than 300 delegates from Zimbabwe and 24 other countries participated at the fiesta which was running under the theme: “One Love — Our unity, Our Pride”.

Zimbabwe Council of Tourism chief executive, Mr Paul Matamisa said the carnival could play a critical role in contributing to the national fiscus.

“In the tourism sector worldwide, carnivals, if properly held, can grow an economy. This is called carnival economy. It can be established through activities, which will be taking place.

“Carnivals also boost domestic and international tourism; facilitate for the establishment of partnerships with other nations,” he said.