Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe in Mutare
THE upgrading of Grand Reef Airport in Mutare has been hailed as a landmark development and a “masterstroke” for tourism in the Eastern Highlands, with stakeholders expecting a surge in tourist arrivals driven by improved air connectivity.
The strategic investment, a collaborative effort between Government and private partners, is widely seen as a critical step towards unlocking the tourism potential of Manicaland Province and beyond.
Destination connectivity, long recognised as a key pillar in tourism growth, is at the heart of this milestone.
Significant infrastructure upgrades have been rolled out, including the expansion of Grand Reef Aerodrome to accommodate larger aircraft, the rehabilitation of the Mutare Flyover, key feeder roads, and the refurbishment of the iconic Mutare Sports Club.
As part of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo, Air Zimbabwe’s Flight UM145 from Harare to Mutare made a historic landing at Grand Reef Airport on Saturday, receiving the traditional water cannon salute — a fitting welcome to mark the occasion.
Aboard the 48-seater ATR42-500 were high-ranking Government officials including Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Felix Mhona, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi, and Deputy Minister of Tourism, Tongai Mnangagwa.
The event is anchored on the theme: “Devolving Sustainable Tourism Development — Our Future,” which underscores the Government’s commitment to inclusive growth through decentralisation and the elevation of provincial economies under the Second Republic’s Vision 2030.
Stakeholders say Mutare’s hosting of the prestigious tourism expo is set to revitalise domestic tourism while catalysing broader economic activity in the region.
Speaking to Zimpapers Business Hub on Sunday, Musangano Lodge, general manager Mr Leonard Bwanya praised Government efforts:
“We are very happy and very grateful to the Government for bringing Sanganai/Hlanganani/ Kumbanayi to the Eastern Highlands. I don’t have any better way to thank the Government for bringing the Expo to the Eastern Highlands or to Mutare,” he said.
Mr Bwanya said the airport upgrade would significantly ease access for international travellers:
“As long as our international clients can fly into Mutare and do all the activities around Mutare or the Eastern Highlands, I’m sure it will ease up the ease of travelling. So, the source markets are opening up so much.”
He noted that the inaugural landing had already begun to bear fruit:
“Yesterday (Saturday) we witnessed the inaugural touchdown of Air Zimbabwe here in Mutare. We have received the British and the French groups and we have had a very brilliant discussion with those buyers and they have shown a great interest in the Eastern Highlands,” said Mr Bwanya.
“Most of them said that they did not know that the Eastern Highlands did exist. They were just used to the west of the country so it was really a great discussion we had. Then later during the day we also received the German group who are also very enthusiastic about the Eastern Highlands.”
International tourism buyers who spoke to Zimpapers Business Hub echoed similar sentiments, describing Zimbabwe as a “hidden gem” with immense potential.
Ms Saskia Reinders, a prominent tour operator from Germany, said: “Zimbabwe is such a beautiful, untapped tourist destination in Africa and in the world. I am here for the Sanganai Expo and looking forward to the exhibition. I have already booked some clients to come to Zimbabwe in 2026.”
From Slovenia, Mr Lado Rot of Lifetime Experience lauded the country’s natural beauty and hospitality:
“Zimbabwe has great potential. It has beautiful nature and the people are very friendly. I think it’s time the world starts to discover this beautiful country”.
Mr Scott Monaco of Sweden added: “I think it’s a place that has not been fully discovered, and I hope more people will come here.”
The 18th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo is being hosted by Manicaland Province for the first time — a milestone that aligns with the Second Republic’s devolution agenda and its commitment to empowering all regions.
Organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), the annual showcase has evolved into Africa’s premier tourism marketplace, connecting local and international tourism players and promoting the best of Zimbabwe and the continent.
As September marks World Tourism Month, Zimbabwe’s hosting of this global event reinforces Government’s strategic focus on tourism as a pillar of economic transformation.
