The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube
Post Correspondent
LEADING tertiary institution, Mutare Polytechnic and service provider, Mutare City Council raised Manicaland Province’s flag high after they scooped top awards at the just-ended Sanganai/Hlanganani World Travel Expo held in Bulawayo.
Mutare Poly emerged winners in the best training institution brand category, outclassing Chinhoyi University of Technology and University of Zimbabwe who were first and second runners-up respectively.
City of Mutare won the best publicity association brand, outshining Harare Publicity and Victoria Falls Publicity who were first and second runners-up respectively.
Mutare Poly’s immaculate concept was the infusion of local and the western restaurant service styles, with their set-up being an outdoor restaurant in Manicaland.
They presented their displays on three tables, with the first one showing novelty cocktails and mocktails, both traditional and modern, which they christened names of Manicaland’s tourist attractions.
The Mutarazi Falls beverage was a class icing resembling a waterfall.
The second table was a traditional lunch set-up which had coconut shell mugs, yams (madhumbe), banana leaves table mats, reeds (tsanga) and plates containing various traditional foods such as yams croquets and coated mopane worms (madora), among other things.
The third table had a western a-la-carte set-up with a fruit buffet of locally available fruits and exotic products.
The institution’s spokesperson, Mrs Charity Mambondiyani said: “We were promoting Zimbabwean cuisine and offering a variety to people from different walks of life as well as promoting the recycling and use of locally available resources to create a fine dining experience.”
Addressing delegates at the expo, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Honourable Barbra Rwodzi hailed tourism players for being innovative, saying the partnership between Government and the private sector is key.
“I am grateful to be given this opportunity by His Excellency, President Mnangagwa, to lead the tourism and hospitality sector which plays a pivotal role in our nation’s economic development, cultural exchange and attainment of Vision 2030.
“First and foremost, I want to emphasize that tourism is a partnership. It is a relationship between Government and the private sector, where each party brings its unique strengths to the table.
“Government provides the framework, infrastructure and policies to support tourism, while the private sector brings innovation, investment and operational expertise. Together, we can create a vibrant and sustainable tourism ecosystem,” she said.
“Accordingly, let me proceed to acknowledge and appreciate past and present tourism business leaders for the hard work that has contributed to the resurgence of the tourism and hospitality industry post Covid-19 pandemic.
“The growth we are witnessing today is no doubt a culmination of your dedication, passion and unwavering commitment to this important sector of our economy,” said Minister Rwodzi.
Other institutions and tourism players who had stands at the expo from Manicaland include Lake Alexander Country Resort, Buhera Rural District Council, Gairezi, Royal Vacations, Enopat Hotel and the Office of the President and Cabinet in Mutare.
