Chinese Firm to Help Market Zimbabwe's Tourism

A Chinese company has lived up to its promise to market Zimbabwe's tourism to the Far East by sending the top six finalists in the Miss tourism Zimbabwe pageantry to China on a tour to promote and market the country's tourism, The herald reported on Monday.

Chief executive officer of the Zimbabwe International Travel and Tours Steve Zhao said he was honored to take the Zimbabwean beauties to the Chinese mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for a tour to market Zimbabwe's tourism facilities in the Far East.

"I am happy that I have lived up to my promise," said Zhao.

Speaking at the send-off ceremony for the six beauties, the Minister of Environment and Tourism Francis Nhema said the Miss Tourism Zimbabwe finalists were the country's tourism ambassadors and had a duty to market and promote the country's tourism facilities.

"Since their crowning in December 2006 these girls have had immense exposure in the tourism industry and familiarization with the country's tourist attractions. This has prepared them to face the market and talk confidently about what our country has to offer," said the minister.

He also said the girls would attend a Destination Promotion to be hosted by the Henderson Group of Hong Kong.

The summer promotion started on July 27 and will run until Aug. 18 during which Zimbabwe's tourism, wildlife and culture will be on display throughout the promotion.

The six beauties will help market Zimbabwe's wildlife resources as well as distribute tourism literature to potential visitors from this lucrative market.

The highlight of the event will be the cultural show in which the Zimbabwean culture and its friendly people will be showcased.

This will done through a modelling show led by Miss Tourism Zimbabwe Caroline Marufu and her five compatriots Michelle Makanza, Vongai Mushove, Tatenda Chirinda, Muslin Nousenga and Shuvai Marumbi.

The Zimbabwean models will be joined by their counterparts from Hong Kong while cultural entertainment will be provided by members of the Zvido Zvevanhu Cultural Group currently in China.

The Chinese mainland and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region are among Zimbabwe's target markets in Asia as elaborated in the National Tourism Development and Marketing Strategy.

Zimbabwe's tourism promotional effort has seen the country attending road shows, travel shows and hosting media and trade familiarization tours.