A high-profile Zimbabwean sportsperson based abroad is reported to have demanded US$3 million to promote the country as a safe and attractive tourism destination.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi revealed the demand during an interview on Star FM with Linda Muriro, which aired on Monday.
She said the sportsperson had requested US$3 million per year to market Zimbabwe.
Rwodzi was responding to a question from a listener who had asked about the ministry’s approach to working with social media influencers to promote the country. She said:
“Yes, it’s very true, we want to have our local influencers to be marketing our destination Zimbabwe.
“However, we have approached many of them but I’ll tell you my sister that the prices that end up being asked hatisati takukwanisa kumabhadhara (we are not yet able to make those kinds of payments.).
“Kana zvakuenda kuma million kana ma thousands akawanda tinozokurirwawo (if the amount goes into millions or thousands, it becomes too high).
“I’ll give you an example of one influencer that we thought he would do wonders for us wherever he was, he’s into sport and he asked us for US$3 million a year.”
Rwodzi said the ministry had opted to work with local influencers, who offer more flexible rates. She said:
“We have been working with local influencers who agree to reasonable terms but we are not saying this is the end, when we have the money we will engage those who are on the international scene.
“They are exporting their talent, and to others can afford them, and when we reach those levels, we will definitely engage them for their services to market brand Zimbabwe.”
More: H-Metro
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