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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 30779, member: 2262"] Tourism brings big money to Zimbabwe, with 1.5 million visitors coming through during the first three months of this year. People who moved away make up 70 percent of these travelers, showing strong ties between Zimbabwe and citizens living abroad. The tourism business adds more than 12 percent to the national economy. Minister Babra Rwodzi shared these facts yesterday at Masvingo Polytechnic during a cooking competition. The First Lady, Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, deserves credit for making Zimbabwe popular again with tourists. Her Traditional Cookout Competitions attract visitors from everywhere. The United Nations even named Zimbabwe a top place to visit because of these food events. Minister Rwodzi thanked the First Lady for creating these yearly cooking contests that help grow food tourism across the country. Tourism numbers jumped up after the United Nations Regional Forum on Gastronomy for Africa, which took place in Victoria Falls last year. International travelers keep choosing Zimbabwe because of the UN seal of approval. The government wants to spread Zimbabwean foods worldwide. Pretty soon, even the national airline will serve traditional meals to passengers every day during flights. The cooking competition added something new this year by welcoming people with disabilities as contestants. Men who cook for their families also joined the fun for the first time. These changes match President Mnangagwa's promise that nobody gets left behind. Minister Rwodzi encouraged everyone who earned certificates to start cooking businesses serving hospitals, funerals, and weddings. Minister Ezra Chadzamira praised the many different kinds of people who competed this year. He said the contest teaches everyone about the many food traditions from across Masvingo. He thanked the First Lady for starting these competitions, which create jobs and boost family incomes. The contests also make people interested again in growing traditional grains that keep everyone healthy. The First Lady started these cooking events in 2019 to celebrate Zimbabwe's food heritage. The Tourism Ministry runs these contests together with local governments and other agencies. The finals happen on May 25 at the national level. Mr. Courage Chirambadare from the Masvingo district won first place in the disability category. Dorcas Chikondere from Masvingo Polytechnic beat all the other students. Mr. Julius Musangeya from Clevers Hotel took top prize among professional chefs. [/QUOTE]

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