The Sunday Mail
Sports Reporter
Zimbabwe-born Springbok prop Tendai Mtawarira has been named Tourism Ambassador for destination Zimbabwe.
The 33-year-ol who is currently one of the most decorated Super Rugby players in the world with 154 caps for the Sharks, was conferred the honour this morning at a Harare hotel by the Minister of Environment, Tourism & Hospitality Industry Priscah Mupfumira.
And this comes as the global trend in tourism today calls for destinations to appoint tourism ambassadors as advocates for the destination offerings.
“The concept of tourism brand ambassadors is widely used as a tool for promoting many destinations across the globe,” Mupfumira said.
“People are appointed tourism ambassadors for their ability to significantly contribute to the promotion of destinations with the main objective of increasing tourism traffic.
“Tourism ambassadors could be nationals of Zimbabwe or non –nationals for which the titles would be tourism ambassador for the former and honorary tourism ambassador for the latter.
“The term of office varies from a minimum period of a year to a period as determined by my Ministry,” she said.
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority acting chief executive Rita Likukuma said the veteran Sharks front rower, The Beast, who is famous for being the first black Springbok to play 100 Tests and even eclipsed Adriaan Strauss as South Africa’s most capped Super Rugby player, is an opinion leader whose help would be strategic in positioning Destination Zimbabwe as a destination of choice.
“Given all his fame on the global rugby arena, he has remained grounded, “said Likukuma.
“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 him 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 his life,” Likukuma said.
