Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
MASVINGO City recently made a strong debut at the Colours of the World Tourism Expo in Turkey, proudly showcasing Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage and securing potential business and cultural exchange opportunities. The city’s impressive presentation further cemented Zimbabwe’s reputation on the global tourism stage.
Representing the home of the legendary Great Zimbabwe, the Masvingo delegation participated in the just-ended Colours of the World International Culture, Tourism, and Destination Expo held in Istanbul.
The delegation featured experts from tourism, gastronomy, and traditional music, leaving an indelible impression on an international audience.
“We had an awesome and eye-opening experience. We managed to sell our culture as Zimbabweans specifically from Masvingo province and we were well received. They even asked us for more and we had to go back on stage on many occasions. They appreciated our culture as a people,” musician Blessing Maramba said.
“As a Chef, I am excited to participate at this important platform. I have been exposed to an international platform, meeting chefs from different countries hence I learned a lot. Again I was excited that people here were attracted by our food, they were even asking for more hence I am so excited,” a participant at the Expo, Rejoice Gundura said.
Masvingo City exhibition stand was a hub of cultural exchange, captivating visitors with an authentic taste of Zimbabwe delicacies such as Mopani worms, dried vegetables and exotic fruits like “Nyii” or “Umnyi” Bird Plum attracting international guests.
“The experience was quite exciting, we believe we achieved the objectives we set for our participation. We wanted to provide exposure. To our business people, our chefs and artists to international events so that they find collaborations and we also speak about our culture to the world. Our performances were well received and we participated in the panel discussions,” Masvingo City Council Finance Director, Mr Danster Jori said.
Not to be outdone, were Masvingo’s traditional dancers from Charles Theatre Club, showcasing the vibrancy of Zimbabwean culture.
The delegation also participated in conference panel discussions presenting opportunities offered by Masvingo City and Zimbabwe’s tourism and cultural heritage.
“I want to thank Masvingo City Council for this opportunity to showcase our culture and our tourism heritage here to the world. I believe it’s never going to be the same and tourism in Masvingo and the rest of Zimbabwe is going to develop,” said Ropafadzaishe Mushoorwa, Head of Marketing for the Great Zimbabwe Destination.
The Expo, held from April 18 to 20, featured participants from 16 countries and was designed to promote and showcase tourist attractions and cultures of the world with an emphasis on gastronomy and cultural performances.
