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leading a Zimbabwean tourism delegation that scooped a third prize at the just-ended Carnaval International de Victoria.
Zimbabwe came third after the Douglas Vambe-led traditional dance group stole the show during cultural displays by 62 groups from all over the world.
Mr Vambe popularised Jerusarema-Mbende beat throughout the carnival to the delight of the judges and delegates.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Walter Mzembi was ecstatic after presentation of the award.
“It is our season of international accolades and this shows that we are now good for business,” Minister Mzembi said.
He was crowned the African Tourism Minister of the year last month.
Minister Mzembi said the award was a culmination of a lot of hard work by stakeholders in the tourism sector and the nation at large.
He said Zimbabwe drew a number of lessons from the Seychelles Carnaval International de Victoria saying the event was testimony of the Seychellois’ happiness. Events like carnivals, Minister Mzembi said, could be used to measure the “gross national happiness index”.
Zimbabwe intends to host a similar event before the end of this year. Minister Mzembi said Zimbabweans had a lot of achievements to celebrate like the land reform programme.
“You find our people happy and celebrating the land reform, empowerment programmes, accomplishments in education and health.
“In conducting a carnival people then pick floats and make as much noise around it. Only then can we say our people have told us they are happy,” he said.
Minister Mzembi said a carnival could also be used as an instrument of national cohesion.
Meanwhile, the Seychelles Tourism Board chief executive officer Mr Alain St Ange has pledged to market Zimbabwe as one of Africa’s best tourism destinations.
“We will tell the world that Zimbabwe was here. We will spread the message about your natural resources for them to be known. We are stronger when we work as a unit,” he said.
Zimbabwe and Seychelles will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at joint tourism promotions.