Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Mutare Bureau
HOMEOWNERS in Mutare and across Manicaland have been urged to first seek certification from the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality before converting their houses into bed-and-breakfast facilities for the upcoming Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, stressed the importance of proper registration, warning that poor standards could damage the province’s reputation.
Speaking while addressing residents in Chimanimani on Friday, Minister Mugadza said unregulated services will not be tolerated as Zimbabwe positions itself to host thousands of international guests in September.
“Those with good houses should turn them into bed-and-breakfasts just for that period, but do it properly. Approach the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality for guidance so you can meet the standards and get certified. We will not allow people to operate without approval because we cannot afford to leave visitors with bad experiences,” he said.
His call comes as hotels and lodges in Mutare are already fully booked ahead of the expo, set for September 10 to 12.
The accommodation crisis has left many visitors searching for alternatives, with some rooms now going for upwards of US$100 per night.
The Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo is Zimbabwe’s premier international tourism showcase, drawing global buyers, exhibitors, and media. This year marks the first time the event will be hosted outside Bulawayo, with Mutare chosen to demonstrate Manicaland’s growing role in the country’s tourism industry.
Minister Mugadza said the decision to decentralise the expo was both an honour and a challenge for the province, and urged the community to rise to the occasion.
“We have been chosen as the first province to decentralise this event and we must lead by example for others. The city will be flooded with tourists, and the business community must be ready to capitalise on this rare opportunity. It is not just about accommodation but about ensuring our visitors leave with good memories,” he said.
He added that visitors would not only attend the expo but also tour the province’s scenic attractions, including the Vumba, Nyanga, and Chimanimani.
“Our guests will want to see everything Manicaland has to offer. This is why it is important that every community prepares to host them with dignity and hospitality,” he said.
In a recent interview, Director of Economic Affairs and Investment Promotion for Manicaland, Mr Munyaradzi Rubaya, said residents could make substantial income if they opened their homes to tourists.
“If you have three bedrooms and you charge US$100 per night for five days, because most visitors will stay from the ninth to the thirteenth, that is a lot of money. People should not miss this opportunity,” Rubaya said.
He noted that beyond the financial windfall, welcoming tourists into local homes would help cement Manicaland’s image as a hospitable and vibrant tourism hub.
Preparations for the expo are now in full swing, and anticipation is mounting that the event will leave a lasting economic impact while putting Mutare firmly on the international tourism map.
Online Reporter