Miss Tourism auditions roar to life

MORE than 20 professional and amateur models will tomorrow (Saturday) converge at the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Mutare offices for the Miss Tourism Manicaland beauty pageant auditions.

The models, who confirmed participation, are drawn from Mutare’s tertiary institutions as well as from Nyanga, Zimunya and Mutasa.

The auditions begin at 10am. Weekender Entertainment understands that top models from local varsities who have previously won reputable pageants are expected to participate in the auditions.

“We are also expecting top models who have previously won some pageants before as we dig deeper to come up with crème de la crème that will represent the province at national level. We will hold the second auditions on May 5 as we prepare for the provincial finals in June. A panel of experts will assist us in the screening process,” said one of the organisers Rumbidzai Mashayahanya.

“We are stepping up competition levels and make sure that we present the best in upcoming pageants. We are working tirelessly to lure sponsorship from the corporate world since time is ticking away,” said the Miss Tourism Manicaland licence holder Caroline Marufu-Buwu. She appealed to the corporate sector to come aboard and be part of the pageant.

ZTA head corporate affairs Godfrey Koti said the pageants will play a critical role in marketing tourists’ destinations while promoting domestic tourism.

“The idea is for the country to showcase all its talents, cultural, sport and many other creative varieties to the world over. Beauty pageants are also a great way of exhibiting the country. We’re tapping into beauty pageants to market the destination. The beauty queens serve as brand ambassadors upon winning these pageants,” said Koti.