SO far it's been a rewarding half a year for the national carrier, Air Zimbabwe.

It's Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr Peter Chikumba, has been accorded an award as Tourism Manager of the Year in the Public Sector for outstanding contribution to tourism development in 2008.

The announcement was made at the Zimbabwe National Tourism Awards, a Zimbabwe Tourism Authority annual event, held in Bulawayo recently.

The national airline, Air Zimbabwe was recognised as well -- winning the First Runner-Up slot in the Best Airline Category at the same awards.

Chikumba was recognised for his stewardship of the airline during one of the most turbulent times in aviation history -- an era characterised by global the economic meltdown which has seen several airlines grounding operations and falling passenger numbers.

The award took note of the role the national airline plays in promoting Zimbabwe as a tourist destination and the part it plays in national efforts to market Zimbabwe as a tourist destination.

"Chikumba provides leadership for efficiency demonstrated by the manner in which he has kept Air Zimbabwe adhering to the highest safety and operational standards required in the industry.

This is demonstrated by Air Zimbabwe Holdings achievement of IOSA Registration," read the citation.

The award follows recognition by the Institute of Directors -- Zimbabwe, which. awarded Chikumba a Certificate Of Merit for "Director of the year 2008" under the Parastatals, Non-Governmental Organisations and Public Sector Enterprises category.

The Institute of Directors is the country's most recognized Leadership Institute.