Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Tourism Correspondent
PREPARATIONS for the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo have reached the final stretch, with Mutare poised to make history as it hosts the global tourism showcase for the very first time in history beginning next Wednesday.
Permanent Secretary for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Abiot Maronge said all systems are in place, and the province is ready to put up a world-class event as construction and rehabilitation of infrastructure, tourism sites and finessing of the venue are almost complete.
One of the biggest boosts for this year’s Expo is the upgrading and activation of Grand Reef Airport, which will ease access into Mutare.
For years, access to Mutare has largely been by road, and the launch of commercial flights marks a milestone for tourism development in the province.
The national airline, Air Zimbabwe, recently announced plans to introduce daily return flights between Harare and Mutare from September 6 to 14, to support the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Travel Expo.
Air Zimbabwe said the new service is part of its turnaround strategy aimed at expanding its route network, improving domestic connectivity and strengthening the tourism industry.
“We are very much prepared for the Expo. We are as good as ready, and we are happy we with the progress that has been made so far. Flights will start on September 6, just before the Expo kicks off. The airport is ready to take planes, which means visitors can land closer to the event, and spend more time enjoying what the Eastern Highlands has to offer,” said Mr Maronge.
He added that there are ongoing infrastructure works designed to ease the flow of traffic during the event.
At the main Expo grounds, Mutare Sports Club, the bustle of preparation is unmistakable. By Wednesday, most infrastructure at the venue had been painted while roofing and paving works underway.
The venue now has two entrances, and the roads that lead to the buildings, had been fully tarred.
“The tents have arrived and set-up has already begun. Our teams are now working full-time. Everything that needs to be done is being done, and by the time delegates arrive, the venue will be ready for business. We are polishing up the roads.
On Friday, heavy trucks will begin using alternative routes so that traffic congestion is minimised in the Central Business District during the Expo. We want the experience of travelling to and around Mutare to be as smooth as possible,” said Mr Maronge.
He said one of the major sites under refurbishment is tourism jewel – the Hot Springs Resort.
“Refurbishment at Hot Springs is ongoing. We expect Phase One to be complete in time for the Expo, while phases two and three will be completed after the Expo. In addition, we plan to temporarily widen the Mutare Flyover Bridge using provisional infrastructure so that more vehicles can pass through at once.
By the time visitors arrive, the place will be ready,” said Mr Maronge.
In terms of accommodation, he said hotels in Mutare and Nyanga, Chimanimani,
Rusape and some facilities in Vumba are fully booked.
He said the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority is working flat out and in unison with people with private homes willing to offer their facilities to visitors.
With thousands of visitors expected, accommodation was always going to be a challenge.
However, Mr Maronge said the province had worked around the clock to ensure that everyone would be catered for.
“We knew from the start that accommodation was not going to be enough, but people have responded very well. Private home hospitality is being coordinated by the ZTA to make sure that no visitor is left stranded. We expect all delegates and tourists to find comfortable places to stay,” he said.
With flights confirmed, venues taking shape, infrastructure being upgraded, and accommodation spread across the province, Mr Maronge added: “All that needs to be done will be done. By the time the Expo begins, the Eastern Highlands will be ready to host Zimbabwe, Africa, and the globe. This is our moment to shine, and we are prepared to showcase the very best of Manicaland.”
The Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo, which runs from Wednesday to Sunday next week, is expected to attract thousands of local and international visitors, offering them a chance to discover the breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality of Manicaland.
In another boost in the transport sector, National Railways of Zimbabwe has also announced a special rail leisure service between Harare and Mutare, ahead of the 18th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo.
The luxury rail travel will be complete with entertainment and refreshments, to local, regional, and international exhibitors, buyers, media, and the general public.
The special rail service is a collaborative effort between the NRZ, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Ministry and the ZTA.
The special train service will have a carrying capacity of 243 passengers.
Good going