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Jonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter
Deputy Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Supa Mandiwanzira, has applauded organisers of the Chimanimani Arts Festival saying the extravaganza was important for promoting domestic tourism.
Officially opening of the two-day fete over the weekend Mandiwanzira said there was need for the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority to use the sites such as the Bridal Veil falls to promote domestic tourism.
“I think it is worthwhile considering such places as the Bridal Veil to promote domestic tourism,” he said.
“Yes, we have had the Harare International Carnival but that is not the best way to promote tourism because already there is the Brazilian Carnival which is known as the greatest show on earth, where thousands of people attend each year. So it would be wise for Zimbabweans to promote that which can only be found in Zimbabwe and uniquely Zimbabwean like the Bridal Veil,” he said.
The Minister, who was the guest at the Chimanimani Festival, urged the media to take advantage of such platforms as the festival to create content which can be packaged for television.
“I am pleased to note that the festival is being held in a rural setting where local people showcase their talents.
“This is an opportunity for not only ZBC but also other independent producers to come and package the festival so that they screen it for the rest of the nation to see.
This is what producers should do since Government intends to open new television channels,” he said.
Mandiwanzira also hailed the men and women who fought to liberate Zimbabwe, saying if it wasn’t sacrifices of the gallant sons and daughters of the soil such festivals would not have been possible.
“Another notable thing about the festival is that its being held during the Heroes Holidays which means it’s a cause for celebration. And as Government we appreciate the importance of arts and culture. So the festival is a reflection of our independence and we cherish that and we do that responsibly.
“The other spin-offs from the festival include business for the community. We noticed that the festival brought brisk business to the community including the HALA Chimanimani hotel which was fully booked during the festival,” he said.
Cornelius Nyahunda, the executive chairman of HALA Hotels and Leisure Africa reiterated that their strategy was to drive the low cost professionally managed hotels in almost all the administrative centres, economic hubs and leisure centres. he described the recently held Chimanimani Arts Festival as a resounding success.
He said the arts fete was a success particularly with regards to the entertainment for locals and visitors who were treated to several arts and cultural products by Zimbabweans.
“As HALA we feel that the next edition of the festival should reach out to welcome more regional and international guests so that they can experience the beauty of eastern highlands as well as art and culture,” Nyahunda said.
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