Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa in MUTARE
THE 18th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo burst into life on Friday, with Tourism and Hospitality patron Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa describing tourism beyond leisure as a powerful engine for national development through economic growth, employment creation and community empowerment.
The day started on a high note as the Tourism and Hospitality patron made history with a maiden flight on the newly introduced Harare-Mutare route, touching down at the revamped Grand Reef Aerodrome in Mutare to a rousing reception from the people of Manicaland province.
Indeed, the atmosphere was buzzing, as tourism is receiving the highly sought international attention.
Even some foreign nationals who were boarding the national airline, Air Zimbabwe, in Mutare made a beeline to have Kodak moments with the First Lady, who embraced them with her usual warm reception.
Mother Zimbabwe then proceeded to the main venue, where there was a packed schedule, starting with touring gastronomy stands, including the popular Amai’s Kitchen, where indigenous cuisine took centre stage.
Agrotourism came alive with an array of value-added traditional foods, turning the exhibition into a vibrant showcase of heritage and innovation.
From richly flavoured roadrunner to roasted tsuro, traditional nhopi, haifiridzi, baobab-infused muffins, peanut butter Swiss rolls, millet waffles, and even madora and sadza rezviyo, the gastronomic offerings were as diverse as they were mouthwatering.
Many of the food products, including unique juices, are already being exported, finding their way to markets in neighbouring countries such as Mozambique and contributing the much sought-after foreign currency for the nation. Among the dishes, some were prepared by Agri4She beneficiaries, including passionate women like Mrs Christina Taranhike, commonly referred to as Mai Chimuti; and Mrs Rachel Mugwagwa of Manica Skyview Hotel.
The youth and women from institutions such as Belvedere Teachers’ College, Mutare Teachers’ College, Marondera State University and the University of Zimbabwe also showcased their culinary skills, presenting meals that delighted the First Lady.
Dr Mnangagwa also toured exhibition stands that were mouthwatering, moving from one to the other, interacting with exhibitors whom she gave wise counsel, and immersing herself in the rich showcase of culture, tourism and innovation on display.
International flavour was also on show, with exhibitions from Indonesia, South Africa’s Vhembe District Municipality, Namibia, Mozambique and Malawi, among others, adding a global touch to the fair.
As the First Lady toured the stands, there was an inseparable bond between her and the crowd, with some schoolchildren erupting into cheerful chants of “Mother Zimbabwe! Mother Zimbabwe!”, creating a festive atmosphere that followed her throughout the expo.
One of the standout exhibits came from Belvedere Teachers’ College, where students displayed their creativity with elegant dresses, hats and beads crafted from the national fabric, a perfect blend of culture, identity and modern design.
The day’s highlight also came with the official unveiling of the Tourism and Cricket Pavilion, a new addition constructed by the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry.
With Dr Mnangagwa cutting the ribbon, the pavilion was formally opened to the public, symbolising a new chapter for tourism and sport, which work hand in glove. Certainly, through her warmth and charisma, Dr Mnangagwa turned the Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo into more than just an exhibition; she made it a celebration of heritage, creativity and possibility.
Addressing multitudes at the expo, Dr Mnangagwa said the sector was central to Zimbabwe’s economic growth and cultural exchange.
“Tourism is more than leisure; it is a driver of economic growth, a bridge between cultures and a source of inspiration for communities and like-minded people,” she said.
“It is our duty as a collective to make Zimbabwe not only a destination of choice for leisure and adventure, but also a leading hub for business travel, medical care, culture, gastronomy tourism and spiritual experiences. The future of Zimbabwe’s tourism is bright, and together we will ensure that it continues to shine.”
Dr Mnangagwa said this year’s expo also highlights the importance of Zimbabwe’s various tourism clusters, which include mines tourism, religious tourism, cultural and heritage tourism, medical tourism, gastronomy tourism and sports tourism, as well as rural and township tourism.
“These clusters are vital engines that diversify our product offering, attract different segments of travellers and spread the benefits of tourism across the country,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa commended exhibitors and stakeholders for showcasing innovation, creativity and collaboration at the expo, which brought together players from across the tourism value chain.
“I wish to challenge each exhibitor to carry forward the spirit of Sanganai, continue to innovate, collaborate and promote Zimbabwe with pride,” she said. “To all exhibitors, thank you for your commitment, your creativity and your passion for Zimbabwe’s tourism growth. Let us keep working together, promote each other; and our visiting delegations, please go with us in Zimbabwe, talk about us, do the marketing for us of all that we have experienced here.”
The Tourism and Hospitality patron said this year’s exhibitors, classified into 29 categories, were carefully grouped under key tourism sector pillars, including accommodation and hospitality, tour operations and travel agencies, transport and air services, and cultural and heritage tourism.
Others were displays of different cuisine dishes, meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, provincial tourism promotion and tourism support services such as technology providers, training institutions, financial partners and media, reflecting the breadth of the tourism ecosystem and the many ways in which the industry supports national development.
“Whether hosting a global conference, a spiritual pilgrimage, a sporting event or a cultural festival, these clusters play a vital role in strengthening our tourism brand and generating economic growth,” she said.
“By doing so, we elevate the standard of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo and strengthen Zimbabwe’s standing as a top tourist destination on the African continent.”
Dr Mnangagwa, who also handed awards to outstanding exhibitors, encouraged participants not to view them as the sole measure of success, noting that every exhibitor was a winner as their contribution had elevated the standards of the expo and strengthened the country’s tourism brand.
“Your participation demonstrates your resilience and your commitment to growing this sector. These awards are not only a celebration of achievement, but also a challenge to each of us to continue innovating and raising the quality of our offerings,” she said.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi said this year’s theme, “Devolving Sustainable Tourism Development: Our Future”, highlights the Government’s commitment to empowering communities, promoting sustainability and shaping the future of Zimbabwe through the tourism sector.
“The tourism sector in 2024 contributed 15 percent to the growth of the country’s GDP (gross domestic product), indicating that it can transform livelihoods, foster infrastructural development and play a leading role in our economy,” she said.
“Guided by this vision for economic growth, we are leveraging our natural and cultural assets. Our strategy must be anchored in God-given resources. It is heritage-based, and through it, we are striving to achieve economic empowerment with our own natural assets.”
Minister Rwodzi said one of the unique features of this year’s event was the inclusion of universities and colleges through a programme called Scholastica, which seeks to bridge the gap between the academia and industry.
“Heritage-based education under the 5.0 model is now a reality, and we want our industry to embrace and witness the innovation emerging from our industrial hubs, as championed by the President. We are promoting sustainable tourism. The ideas presented during the competitions were amazing, and we are already adopting some of them,” she said.
Minister Rwodzi said that several international and local buyers had been touring the province, experiencing Zimbabwe firsthand.
Some of these visits were personally witnessed by the First Lady at the airport, who assured that the visitors expressed their intention to return soon.
It was hats off to Manicaland province for hosting the auspicious event.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Misheck Mugadza said it was a clear testament to the Government’s commitment to the devolution agenda, of which President Dr Mnangagwa is the architect and champion.
“This province is blessed with nature’s best, and we are excited that this event gave our visitors an opportunity to experience what we have to offer. The success of this expo is a testament to the hard work and collaboration of all stakeholders.
“It is a powerful reflection of the national agenda to empower provinces to become economic hubs in their own right. This vision is now a tangible reality for us here in Manicaland,” he said.
Minister Mugadza also commended the First Lady for her trend-setting tourism initiatives, including Agrotourism4She, which was launched in Buhera district, Manicaland, and is already showing tangible benefits for the province.
The Best Overall Stand accolade was awarded to National Handling Services, who were also the Public Institution Stand, while Mrs Chimuti Integral Kumusha won the Best Gastronomy Stand. The host province, Manicaland, received the Best Provincial Stand.
Indonesia received the Best Embassy Award, while the Best International Stand Award went to the Namibia Tourism Board.
The Best Sustainability Stand Award was presented to Zibagwe Rural District Council, and the Best Airline Stand was awarded to the national carrier, Air Zimbabwe, among several other honours.
Among notable guests was Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Tourism and Hospitality Industry chairperson Ms Joanah Mamombe and Tourism and Hospitality Industry Deputy Minister Tongai Mafidi Mnangagwa.
