Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe in Mutare
THE City of Bulawayo is seizing the opportunity presented by the ongoing Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo in Mutare to spotlight its vast, underexploited tourism potential, deeply rooted in culture, heritage and nature.
This year’s edition of the prestigious tourism showcase marks a significant milestone, being the first time in the Expo’s 18-year history that the event is being hosted outside Bulawayo or Harare.
The rotation to Manicaland aligns with the Second Republic’s devolution agenda, which aims to ensure inclusive economic development across all provinces.
Bulawayo has thrown its full weight behind the decision to rotate hosting rights, viewing the move as an opportunity for growth and learning.
Running from September 10 to 12 at Mutare Sports Club, the Expo has drawn thousands of delegates, international buyers, investors and exhibitors, transforming the eastern border city into a hive of global tourism business.
The showcase is held under the theme: “Devolving Sustainable Tourism Development — Our Future.”
Speaking to Zimpapers Business Hub at the vibrant Mutare Sports Club, Bulawayo City Council Economic Development Officer, Mr Kholisani Moyo, said the city was embracing the shift with enthusiasm.
“Some people from Bulawayo have been complaining, saying this event, Sanganai/Hlanganani, has moved to Mutare and maybe it’s a disadvantage to Bulawayo,” he said.
“To us, it’s not a disadvantage, so to say. It gives us an opportunity to learn what other provinces are handling in terms of these events. When we then come back to Bulawayo, we hope we can also improve in hosting such events.”
Mr Moyo said Bulawayo was using the expo to unveil a refreshed tourism narrative centred on its diverse attractions and cultural wealth.
“For the City of Bulawayo, this is the first time to go out of Bulawayo. This event has been happening in Bulawayo over the years, where we showcase our tourism opportunities, which are available in the city of Bulawayo,” he said.
“We are so excited to be outside Bulawayo and we have come up with a very good theme for this exhibition this year, where we are looking at the wealth of Bulawayo in terms of culture, earth and history, or the nature around Bulawayo, which we want to market as a city.”
Mr Moyo said the city was strategically positioning its rich historical and cultural assets to create a compelling tourism destination capable of attracting both local and international visitors.
“We are looking at the history of Bulawayo, where we are coming from. We want to show that in Bulawayo we have got a lot of opportunities where we can build the story around our rich culture or heritage,” he said.
“We are leveraging on heritage to promote tourism in the city.”
Among the key heritage and cultural sites being showcased are the Inxwala site, the Hanging Tree, Joshua Nkomo statue, which stands in place of the former Cecil John Rhodes monument.
The city is also showcasing nearby attractions such as Matobo Hills, a Unesco World Heritage Site, the Khami Ruins and Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage — all of which offer a blend of natural beauty, wildlife and historical depth.
“But again, we also want to show that Bulawayo is surrounded by other interesting places, such as Matopos, which is not very far from Bulawayo. The Khami Ruins is another site that we want to market,” said Mr Moyo.
Beyond promoting its tourist attractions, Bulawayo is also using the expo to court investors for tourism-related infrastructure developments aligned with the city’s master plan.
“And then we are also looking at the available opportunities coming from our master plans. These are opportunities where someone wants to open a lodge, or we want to open a hotel in the city.
“These are some of the opportunities that we want to take so that at least the whole of Zimbabwe will be aware of,” he added.
As the 2025 Expo continues to draw interest from across the region and beyond, Bulawayo’s active participation demonstrates its commitment to shaping Zimbabwe’s tourism future while preserving and promoting its distinct identity and heritage.
