Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Business Correspondent
MANICALAND is gearing up to take full advantage of the 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo when the prestigious tourism showcase moves to Masvingo early next month, with players in the province saying they will use the platform to market the Eastern Highlands as one of Zimbabwe’s premier tourism destinations.
The province successfully hosted the tourism expo last year, delivering what was widely hailed as one of the most successful editions of the event.
The success raised Manicaland’s profile, and created renewed international interest in destinations such as Nyanga, Vumba, Chimanimani and Mutare. As the Expo moves to Masvingo under the Government’s devolved model, tourism players in Manicaland are now preparing to build on the momentum generated last year and ensure that the Eastern Highlands remains firmly on the international tourism map.
White Horse Inn director, Mr Frank Marembo, said the industry in Manicaland will use the Masvingo edition to consolidate relationships created during last year’s event, while presenting new investment and tourism opportunities in the province.
White Horse Inn, which recently won the Excellency in Environmental Stewardship and Social Impact Award at the Manicaland CSR/ESG and Responsible Award held in the city, is one of the leading tourism and accommodation facilities in Manicaland.
“We are ready for Sanganai in Masvingo because we see it as a continuation of the opportunities that were created when Manicaland hosted the Expo last year. We managed to showcase the Eastern Highlands to the world, and we saw considerable interest from international buyers and other tourism players,” said Mr Marembo.
He said the shift of the Expo to other provinces is a positive development that will allow Zimbabwe’s diverse tourism products to receive greater exposure, while enabling destinations to complement one another rather than compete for attention.
“Our message this year will be very clear: visitors coming to Masvingo should also consider the Eastern Highlands. We want to market Manicaland as a destination that offers a different, but complementary experience, from mountains and forests to adventure tourism, cultural attractions and quality hospitality,” he said.
Mr Marembo said private-sector operators has an important role to play in ensuring that the benefits of Sanganai extended beyond the host province. Tourism analyst, Dr Willard Madhombiro, said Manicaland’s participation will be particularly important because the province has a proven record of using Sanganai to generate business and destination awareness.
“Manicaland is ready because it has already demonstrated what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work together around Sanganai. Hosting the Expo last year gave the province tremendous visibility, and the accolades that followed showed that Manicaland can deliver a world-class tourism event,” said Dr Madhombiro.
He said the decision to devolve the Expo to different cities is consistent with the Government’s broader economic development agenda, and has the potential to spread tourism investment and opportunities across the country.
He added that Manicaland should approach the Masvingo edition, not simply as a trade fair, but as a business platform to attract visitors, investors and tour operators.
“The Eastern Highlands has a very strong story to tell. We need to use every opportunity to convert exposure into actual bookings, investment, partnerships and longer stays. The Expo gives Manicaland an opportunity to remind the international market that our tourism products remain open, competitive and ready for business,” he added.
Pine Tree Inn director, Mr Winfrey Madhlayo, said the hospitality sector in Manicaland is also looking forward to engage buyers and tourism operators at the Masvingo Expo.
“We are definitely going to take advantage of Sanganai in Masvingo to market the Eastern Highlands. Last year showed us the value of having international buyers and exhibitors coming into our region. We made important contacts, and this year we want to strengthen those relationships and create new ones,” said Mr Madhlayo.
He said the Eastern Highlands has an advantage in offering a diverse tourism experience within a relatively compact area.
“We have the mountains, the beautiful landscapes, adventure activities, heritage and culture, as well as accommodation facilities that can cater for different markets. We want buyers to understand that Manicaland can be part of their Zimbabwe itineraries,” he added.
The 19th edition of Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo will take place in Masvingo from September 9 to 12, preceded by a Sports Tourism Carnival from September 1 to 4, and the Street Carnival on September 5.
The event is being held in line with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Devolution Agenda of “leaving no one and no place behind”, with the decentralisation of the Expo intended to ensure that tourism-driven investment and economic opportunities reach provinces beyond the traditional tourism centres.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Honourable Barbara Rwodzi, together with Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira, recently toured key facilities in Masvingo to assess preparations for the expo.
The delegation visited Gymkhana Tourism Park, Masvingo Airport and Great Zimbabwe Visitor Centre, with work at Gymkhana Tourism Park is reported to be about 80 percent complete.
The facility will include a restaurant, bar, gastronomy hub, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority offices and a mini-stadium, while a conference centre is planned as a future development.
The refurbishment of Masvingo Airport, road improvements and upgrades to the Expo site are also expected to leave behind infrastructure capable of supporting tourism and major events long after Sanganai concludes.
The Great Zimbabwe Visitor Centre will host the welcome cocktail, giving international buyers an opportunity to experience the country’s iconic heritage site while interacting with local tourism operators.
So far, 270 exhibitors have registered, with organisers expecting the number to rise to about 450.
Registration also include 129 international buyers and 44 local buyers, with participation continuing to grow ahead of the event.
Minister Rwodzi has highlighted Masvingo’s strategic location along the regional Cape-to-Cairo Corridor and the opportunities for investment in five-star accommodation, conference facilities, restaurants, lodges and other tourism products.
The international dimension of the Expo is also growing. Australia will participate for the first time following Zimbabwe’s tourism road-show, while increased interest from Indian tourists in destinations showcased during last year’s Eastern Highlands edition demonstrates the potential of Sanganai to translate international exposure into tourist arrivals.
