Acting President Mujuru praises carnival

Acting President Joice Mujuru says carnival events have potential to turn around the economy if given necessary support by government and the private sector.

Addressing more than 500 000 people who turned out for the inaugural carnival event, Acting President Mujuru alluded to the fact that if carnivals in Zimbabwe are given the necessary support they require, the events will impact positively on total tourism earnings.

Mujuru also said the world over carnivals are gaining immense popularity as a destination marketing tool with Brazil generating US$2,9 billion in revenue from hosting the 2012 carnival.

She said it is heartening to note that the carnival is an event that unites Zimbabwe and its neighbours considering that up to 17 countries took part, presenting a positive platform of managing perceptions as well as promoting the country's tourism products.

"My experience in addressing this carnival is not only exciting, but also the unleashing of a new fresh idea that became reality in Zimbabwe," she said.

Business came to a halt in Harare as the carnival atmosphere engulfed the city as the carnival street parade turned the capital into a parade of festivities.

The excited revellers followed carnival proceedings from Africa Unity Square to the agriculture show grounds.