Shongedzai Mugwagwa

Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Priscah Mupfumira has today officially appointed rugby icon, Tendai Mtawarira as Zimbabwe Tourism Ambassador at a colourful event in Harare today.

Addressing journalists, Hon Mupfumira said that the appointment of ambassadors was a way of trying to promote the brand Zimbabwe across the globe.

“People are appointed Tourism Ambassadors for their ability to significantly contribute to the promotion of destinations with the main objective of increasing tourism traffic,” she said.

Minister Mupfumira said that Mtawarira’s humility has earned him the recognition of being appointed the face of Zimbabwe Tourism in South Africa.

“His humility is worth admiring and his involvement with two major charities here in Zimbabwe, both committed to helping children in school and sport has earned himself the status of philanthropist. His love for Zimbabwe shines through his dedication and hard work and above all leading by example on whatever he does in life,” she added.

In his acceptance speech, the rugby supremo, popularly known as the beast in rugby, said that he was honoured to be bestowed such a prestigious role by the Government of Zimbabwe.

He said that even if he represents South Africa internationally in rugby, he doesn’t forget his roots and where he comes from.

“The role l was given today is going to come easy for me as l always market my country Zimbabwe everywhere l go. Whenever I am not playing, l like coming back to my roots and spend time in Victoria Falls, Kariba and the Eastern Highlands,” said the soft spoken beast.

In her remarks, ZTA acting boss, Mrs Likukuma said that the concept of appointing tourism ambassadors was meant to harvest the global recognition of the chosen faces to the advantage of the country.

“For us, these opinion leaders are strategic in positioning Destination Zimbabwe as a destination of choice. Given their influence on the global market, we believe that their fame can be transferred to our destination with the resultant increase in patronage,” she said.

Mtawarira is set to become the most capped South African Super Rugby player this year, requiring just six more caps to surpass the record currently held by Adriaan Strauss and therefore, the appointment seeks to ride on his fan base.