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‘Carnival bigger and better this year’

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By Pamella Machimbidza

THE Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) says this year’s Harare International Carnival will be the mother of all carnivals, drawing participants from across the world.
The 5th edition slated for October 14 to 20 is expected to jolt the tourism industry whose fortunes have significantly improved since the ushering in of the new dispensation by President Emmerson Mnangagwa who has charmed foes and friends alike.
The country’s tourism industry has been described as a low hanging fruit that can accelerate the development of the economy battered by decades of sanctions and in some areas mismanagement.
The carnival had its share of false starts as it was postponed in July, due to preparations for the harmonised elections.
Running under the theme ‘Celebrating Hopes and Aspirations for a New Zimbabwe,’ the carnival is expected to rake in more than US$50 million, almost double what was realised in previous years.
In 2014, the carnival yielded
US$30 million while in 2015 it dropped by 26 percent to rake in US$22 million.
However, this year, there is optimism for satisfactory returns as there has been time to fully prepare for the event.
Speaking at a press conference last week, ZTA chief executive Karikoga Kaseke said the postponement was necessary to maximise attendance.
“We need to promote each other, we are all Government institutions,” he said.
Kaseke said this year’s carnival would be bigger and better than past editions.
“Whatever the Government is doing, it is doing it for the people to be happy… basically we are saying the 2018 carnival is going to be the mother of all carnivals,” he said.
“We want to promote happiness in the country, we want people to be happy.”
Kaseke highlighted that countries like Brazil, that have taken the carnivals seriously, have created viable economic enterprises with their profits equalling Zimbabwe’s last year national budget (US$4 billion).
This year’s carnival is expected to embrace the intangible national cultural heritage like the jerusarema/mbende dance which has not been fully showcased in past editions.
Last year’s carnival saw a number of groups, including the Samba Queens from Brazil, parading the streets of Harare.
Speaking at the same press conference, the Minister of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Management, Prisca Mupfumira, said:
“Carnival is meant to promote happiness through entertainment and employment creation as tourism is the number one pillar in the turnaround of our economy.”
So far, 19 regional and international countries have confirmed participation namely Brazil, Cuba, Italy, the US, Jamaica, Angola, Botswana, Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, Namibia, Lesotho and eSwatini (formerly Swaziland), among others.
Among other confirmed participants are 35 traditional groups, 36 schools, tertiary institutions and corporates, 30 companies and 40 individuals registered for block parties to grace the occasion.
This year’s main street party will be held on October 20.
President Mnangagwa is expected to officially open the week-long festival.
Last year, more than 20 countries participated in the event which ran under the theme: ‘One Love, Our Pride.’ Rhumba star Werrason from the DRC, Dr Malinga and Uhuru, both from South Africa, also performed.
To raise awareness, road shows will be hosted in Mutare, Harare, Rusape, Masvingo and Gweru while Bulawayo will host a mini-carnival.
Alternative accommodation has been set aside for those who cannot afford hotels since most hotels are already fully booked.
The country’s largest annual carnival has grown bigger over the years and the ZTA has set a target to place the annual carnival on the international carnival calendar as part of a vision to continue branding Harare and Zimbabwe as both a regional and international tourist destination. 
Countries that have thrived on carnivals include Brazil, the biggest beneficiary, Seychelles, Jamaica as well as Trinidad and Tobago, where carnivals are big business, raking in billions of dollars annually.
The carnival concept has been instrumental in promoting peace, unity and tolerance in most countries.
ZTA continues to make efforts to restore the tourism industry to its yesteryear glory.
The authority has held worldwide marketing/promotional campaigns and through international events, such as the Harare International Carnival and the World Travel and Tourism Africa Fair (Sanganai/Hlanganani), with hopes to increase the number of visitors.
In January this year, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor Dr John Mangudya said tourism accounted for 11 percent of GDP and about five percent of foreign currency earnings.

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