Mashonaland West’s rich Culinary Heritage took center stage at the Provincial Edition of Amai’s Traditional Cookout Competition on Thursday at Odyssey Hotel in Kadoma, where Gastronomy Tourism, Culture and Innovation blended into a vibrant showcase of Indigenous Cuisine under a Whole of Government Approach.
Officiating at the event, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Barbara Rwodzi, engaged with 42 contestants from the Professional Chefs, Community, Tertiary Students and Persons with Disabilities categories. Among the highlights were the popular Kariba Bream, Mukorekore dessert, Gogo’s Special Drink and Kutsengerwa kweMatunhu, a culturally significant dish rooted in traditional practices of presenting harvests for blessings and prosperity.
The competition also showcased Innovation and Food science through the preparation of cassava into sadza, reflecting the growing role of Gastronomy Tourism in preserving Heritage while driving Creativity and Industrialisation.
In her address Minister Rwodzi applauded the Patron of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Her Excellency the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, for igniting Culinary Arts and empowering Gastronomy Entrepreneurs across Zimbabwe.
She emphasized that Gastronomy Tourism continues to create jobs and business opportunities across the Tourism value chain through farming, food processing and cultural experiences, in line with Heritage-Based Tourism and His Excellency President Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 of leaving no one and no place behind through a Whole of Government Approach.
The Minister noted that Zimbabwe continues to record positive Tourism growth, with an increase in tourism performance and an 11% rise in International Tourists arrivals during the first quarter, earning recognition from Forbes Magazine and Condé Nast Traveler Magazine as a Must-Visit Destination.
The event was also attended by the Minister of State for Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Hon Marian Chombo, Honourable Members from the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Portfolio Committee, leadership from the ruling party ZANU PF and other invited guests.
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