Stephen Ephraem
CHIPINGE – Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has intensified its marketing of south east Zimbabwe by covering tourist attractions in the region.
ZTA descended onto Manicaland for a massive marketing campaign between February 15 and 18, with heavy rains failing to dampen the spirit.
The organisation documented Chimanimani district landscapes like the Bridal Falls as well as cultural heritage in Chief Chikukwa’s area.
In Chipinge, the ZTA team had a feel of the uniqueness of Ndau culture and also visited an unheralded but admirable natural hot spring named Rupise which is on the outskirts of Chipinge Safari Area in Middle Save.
Team leader, Hazel Zisanhi who is ZTA corporate communications and industrial relations manager, said the aim of the marketing drive was to expose to the world all tourist attractions in the region.
“Many investors are keen to venture in tourism business but they cannot choose Zimbabwe if we do not showcase to the world what Zimbabwe really offers. I am impressed with what Chipinge offers as far as tourist attractions are concerned.
“The Ndau culture that we have witnessed at Paiyepo Cultural and Heritage Development Centre in Bangira Village in Chikore testifies to Chipinge as having a marketable cultural package. The Ndau dances, especially Muchongoyo, are unique and are an international attraction,” said Zisanhi.
ZTA Chipinge and Chiredzi area manager, Rachel Danda, while addressing a Ndau community that showcased its culture at Paiyepo Cultural and Heritage Development Centre, expressed satisfaction on what the region offers.
“The Government of Zimbabwe is supporting the concept of community-based tourism and our organisation is intensifying marketing of such. Chipinge has proved beyond doubt that it will succeed in initiatives like this one,” said Danda.
