Degrees, diplomas for Miss Tourism 2016 pageant
By Tafadzwa Zimoyo
The recently rebranded Miss Tourism Zimbabwe has announced its 2016 selection criteria with a minimum of advanced level education being part of the requirements. The organisers said models should have degrees, diplomas or A’level certificates to qualify for the preliminaries.
The finale will be held on November 25 at the Rainbow Towers while the auditions in all provinces begins next month.Only 15 girls are expected to compete for coveted title.
In an interview, Miss Tourism Zimbabwe spokesperson Alson Darikayi said they have raised the bar to set minimum academic requirements to ensure they get the most intelligent girls in the country.
“It is not only about beauty but we want the brains too. We have decided to raise the bar to having at least advanced level, diploma or degree level qualification to ensure we get the right contestants who can qualify to assume the status of a national tourism ambassador.
“We need someone who is able to interact, compete and engage even at international platforms and represent the country at global level by promoting the brand with beauty and intelligence,” he said.
He said the requirements were deliberately chosen to allow the competition and bring the best amongst the local girls.
“We also encourage participation of our Zimbabweans who are based in the diaspora as long they hold a local citizenship.
“They will also have to be aged 18-24 years, with no criminal record, no tattoos or highly visible scars, hold a Zimbabwean passport or identification and have never given birth among others. The standard of good character, reputation, charismatic and eloquent among others follow too,” he said.
He said there is no specific height required but the girl should possess the beauty and good stature.
“The deadline for submission is August 31 and the girls should provide too their curriculum vitae attached with two photos, one face and full body,” he said.
Darikayi said the winner will later represent the country at the Miss Tourism International pageant to be held at venue and date announced.
“There are lots of prizes for the winners with the crowned queen travelling extensively around the world as a tourism ambassador.
‘‘She will automatically become our national face at all major international events and exhibitions such as the tourism World Travel Market (WTM) which is held every year in London, China International Travel Mart and the International Travel Bourse in Germany among other international events,” he said.
