By Staff Reporter
ZIMBABWE Tourism Authority (ZTA) has rescheduled the Harare International Carnival again to give way to the fight against cholera.
The country is currently battling a cholera outbreak that mostly affected residents of Glenview and Budiriro and has so far claimed about 53 lives.
Addressing the media, ZTA chief executive Dr Karikoga Kaseke said the ban on public gathering due to cholera is still on and it is prudent to follow instructions.
“The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, having given serious consideration to all the efforts being employed to contain the spread of cholera, has decided to adhere to the call by Health Authorities to curtail events that draw huge crowds.
“It is in light of this Health consideration that the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority has had to postpone the popular Harare International Carnival that was scheduled to run from 15 to 20 October 2018.
“Tourism thrives in a healthy environment, therefore, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, as a responsible corporate citizen has seen it fit and proper to support the Government efforts to contain this spread of Cholera by postponing the Harare International Carnival 2018 Edition to a later date towards the end of November or early December at the very latest,” he said.
Dr Kaseke also took the opportunity to assure tourists that Zimbabwe remains a safe tourist destination despite the cholera outbreak.
“ZTA would like to inform all valued tourists from both the domestic, international markets and the general public that in the face of the recent Cholera Outbreak Zimbabwe remains a very safe destination for any traveller. The Ministry of Health and Child Care has made relentless efforts to contain the spread of the disease,” he said.
Harare International Carnival has been growing in stature over the years and a potential to attract huge crowds from both international and local participants.
