The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube Entertainment Correspondent
MISS Tourism Zimbabwe organisers will next week officially release the names of models from Mutare who made it into the final 18 and are set to enter into boot camp for the pageant finals to be held at Harare International Conference Centre on November 25.
Although a total of 14 models particularly from Africa University, participated during the auditions held at a local hotel last Thursday, only three will represent the province in the potentially-exciting grand finale.
Unlike in other pageants where beauty is the main consideration, the Miss Tourism Zim focuses more on beauty and brains as well as discipline and lifestyle.
Miss Tourism Zimbabwe spokesperson, Alson Darikayi, said the final list of 18 models was now available, but refused to divulge the names to The Weekender.
The organisers are currently conducting some lifestyle and background checks on the finalists’ criminal records as well as moral uprightness in a move aimed at mitigating against controversy and scandals.
Most models who took part in last Thursday’s auditioning process were lanky and gorgeous, but some of them lacked confidence particularly during the talent showcase segment.
“We now have the final list. This time we are looking at beauty and brains. We received overwhelming response from all the cities. We will release the names next week after the background checks. Out of the 18 finalists, three will be dropped after assessing some performances on written exercises, charisma and competence among other things. Only 15 models will compete at the national finals,” he said. The overall winner will represent brand Zimbabwe across the world and will lead Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Walter Mzembi’s quest for the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) secretary-general post.
The Miss Tourism Zimbabwe pageant is a rebrand of Miss Carnival and the overall winner will also lead the forthcoming Harare International Carnival to be held later this year.
