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Liberty Dube Mutare Bureau
The Harare International Carnival is set to spread its tentacles to Mutare and other cities across the country, as Government intensifies efforts to generate more revenue for the country through tourism. Addressing the media on the progress of the ongoing 10-day event in Harare yesterday, Minister of Tourism and —Hospitality Industry, Dr Walter Mzembi, said Zimbabwe aimed to emulate tourism giants like Cuba and Brazil that rotate their carnivals to other cities in their respective countries.

“I believe in happiness with equity,” he said. “We believe the carnival will play a critical role in spurring the growth of the national economy. The carnival should, however, be celebrated simultaneously and follow the Cuban example where it rotates to other cities.

“It will be a huge development if it is celebrated in cities across the country such as Kariba, Mutare and Masvingo.”

He added: “We appreciate the fact that it takes a lot of commitment from individuals and groups coming to participate, particularly taking into consideration that our carnival is still teething and growing gradually.

“As Government, we are optimistic that it will yield return on investment in the next five to 10 years, hence the reason why the project has continued to receive major support from Treasury.

“Government believes in the power of the carnival, particularly its potential to generate the much needed revenue for the country. It remains imperative for Government and other development partners to continue nurturing this project if the country is to realise meaningful gains from it.”

The Harare International Carnival is running under the theme: “One Love — Our Unity, Our pride”.

Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive Mr Karikoga Kaseke said participants from 26 countries, among them the United Kingdom, Trinidad and Tobago, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Malawi and Mozambique, were expected to arrive this week.

“Everything is running smoothly,” he said. “When they say it is a three million men carnival, that means the fiesta will draw people from across the country.”

Participants from Burundi, China, Cuba, Portugal, Ghana and Jamaica will be performing at the fiesta for the first time.

Those from India are already in the country.

Uniformed forces will take part in this year’s carnival through their brass bands and traditional dance groups.

Tourism players and individuals from the Eastern Highlands were yet to confirm their participation.

There are several block parties, which are happening this week in Harare, popular among them are the Rhumba Night, Samba Night, Zim dancehall fiesta and carnival music concert.

Zimbabwe will join the rest of the world in celebrating World Tourism Day on September 27 in Bulawayo.