Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Mutare Bureau
THE Manicaland business community must fully embrace and capitalise on opportunities presented by the upcoming Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Expo scheduled to take place in the province in September, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry has said.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbra Rwodzi met business leaders and other stakeholders in Manicaland Province yesterday and encouraged them to put their best foot forward and leave a lasting impression on the more than 400 expected exhibitors, buyers, investors and service providers fro¯m around the world.
The event will run from September 10-12.
She said the expo will be a game-changer, particularly for players in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector, who will have the chance to showcase their products and services alongside established businesses.
The meeting brought together a wide array of stakeholders, including hoteliers, tour operators, local authorities, retailers, informal traders and Government officials.
Discussions focused on aligning efforts to improve the city’s appeal and readiness to host international and local guests.
“This is an epic opportunity. It is the first time the expo is being hosted in Manicaland and I urge all stakeholders to seize the moment and ensure the province is well represented. I call on every sector to come together and give the world a memorable experience, showcasing the richness of Manicaland. Now that the expo rotates annually to different provinces, hosting it presents a golden opportunity to market the province globally.
“SMEs should also take part and position themselves to shine. Our visitors must experience the warmth, beauty, and cleanliness of Mutare. Everyone has a role to play from the largest hotel to the lady at the market stall,” said Minister Rwodzi.
A significant highlight from the meeting was the announcement that the Government, in collaboration with a local mining company, is working to upgrade the Hot Springs resort. The development is expected to be one of the legacy projects of the expo contributing to long-term tourism growth and economic development in Manicaland Province.
During the interactive session, concerns were raised about the need to decongest key areas in the city, especially known bottlenecks such as the Fly Over in the downtown area.
The Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, said: “This is Manicaland’s moment to shine. The business community and other stakeholders are enthusiastic and ready to tap into the vast opportunities this mega event will bring. Our province boasts unique tourism attractions and resilient businesses, and this is our chance to show the world what Manicaland has to offer.”
The Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe national president, Mr Brian Nyakutombwa, hailed the Government and Minister Rwodzi for engaging with the tourism and business community in Manicaland.
“We are grateful to Minister Rwodzi for taking the time to meet with us as hosts. This awareness initiative is critical, and we must take full advantage of this opportunity as it comes to Manicaland for the first time.
“I am confident we will rise to the occasion and proudly showcase our province. The impressive renovations at Mutare Sports Club clearly show the Government’s commitment, and the responsibility is now on us, the Manicaland business community, to step up,” said Mr Nyakutombwa.
