Miss Tourism Zimbabwe Ready to Hold Her Own at Miss World 2009

By Felix Machiridza

HARARE, ZIMBABWE: The reigning Miss Tourism Zimbabwe, Vanessa Sibanda who is set to represent the country at the Miss World Pageant grand finals to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa in December this year has vowed to make her presence felt at the world event by bringing back one of the awards on offer.

Vanessa Sibanda, Miss Zimbabwe.

At a press conference held by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (Z.T.A.), the 21 year old beauty queen who was flanked by her first princess and the Z.T.A. Chief Executive Mr. Karikoga Kaseke, announced that she was bubbling with confidence and was almost certain that she would not come back empty handed, given the array of titles to be won at the world beauty showcase.

“I have done my part and I feel I am ready to take my position among the world’s best. I have worked on my body, fundraised for the needy; especially those affected by HIV/AIDS and political instability and I have taken time to work with disadvantaged children, creating lasting memories for some of them by taking them on tours”, said the highly confident Miss Zimbabwe.

A modern Miss World is supposed to be a role model for her generation who can inspire others to recognize opportunities to achieve their full potential.

Among the titles to be won are the following; Miss World Sports, Miss World Talent, Miss World Beauty Beach, Miss World Fashion and these will be staged at different venues in South Africa from 18 November, to culminate in the Miss World 2009 Final on 12 December 2009 in Johannesburg.

The Miss World Contestants will begin their preparation for the finals with a camp in London where they are scheduled to visit many beautiful landmarks as well as participating in various tourism fairs, including the prestigious World Travel Market (W.T.M.) which will be held in that city from 9 to 12 November 2009.

While in London, the beauty queens will also attend a special Charity Dinner in aid of the Variety International Children’s Fund on 9 November.

During the highly celebrated global beauty showcase, Vanessa is expected to continue her ambassadorial role of marketing Zimbabwe as a preferred tourist destination, a responsibility she has carried out passionately during her reign as the national queen.

Being attached to the Z.T.A, she diligently advanced tourism related programmes and was deeply involved in several charity benevolent initiatives which saw her touch the hearts of the less privileged through donations, sponsorships and other acts.

In pursuance of her compassionate projects, she travelled extensively around Zimbabwe visiting underprivileged communities and assisted many of them to find solutions to their problems.

Through these projects, Vanessa hopes she will land the ‘Beauty with a purpose’ Award where each contestant at the Miss World pageant is expected to bring a portfolio of the charity work she has been spearheading in her country during her reign.

According to the Z.T.A. Chief Mr. Kaseke, winning the Miss World crown is not top priority for Zimbabwe, but the marketing of the country before an international audience and international media through Vanessa.

“Even if she does not bring back the crown, we are not worried. What we expect of her is to conduct herself in such a way that whatever she does will tell a positive story about Zimbabwe and her being able to raise our country’s flag high before the international audience will be more satisfactory to us. Should she win the crown then it will be a ‘bonus’ for our nation.” Mr. Kaseke said.

On their way to the world beauty showcase, the contestants will break camp on 10 November and stop over in Dubai, United Arab – Emirates before proceeding to Johannesburg on the 15^th of the same month.

The 59^th edition of the Miss World will be held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa.

In South Africa the contestants will be treated to a month-long tour of the country, including the major tourist resorts; the glorious sandy beaches of Durban, the breath-taking landscape and wildlife of the Cape Town region and they will also tour the FIFA World Cup 2010 soccer venues.

Miss World Cup Chairperson Mrs. Julia Morley spoke highly of South Africa’s capacity and ability to host prestigious world events.

“South Africa has shown that it knows how to welcome the world with warmth and pride that is hard to match. We are delighted to return to this nation of great natural beauty and wonderfully kind and welcoming people. We are supremely confident that Miss World 2009 in Johannesburg will be an event to make us all proud.” She reiterated.

Since its launch in 1951, Miss World has become a global phenomenon with a proven track record in increasing tourism and generating substantial economic development wherever it has been held.

The Miss World Final has grown into one of the biggest and best loved TV events: franchised in more than 130 countries, broadcast in over 180 countries and seen by more than one billion viewers, making the most watched global annual event.