Online Reporter
George Maponga
Masvingo Bureau
MASVINGO is set for a major boost in tourism as Air Zimbabwe introduces direct flights from Harare to the ancient city for the 19th Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo, opening a faster gateway to the province’s major attractions.
The new flights are being introduced as Masvingo prepares to host the expo from September 9 to 12.
Air Zimbabwe will operate daily Harare-Masvingo flights during the expo period, with a one-way ticket costing US$100 and a return fare pegged at US$175.
The airline will also connect Masvingo with Victoria Falls at US$240 one- way and US$360 return, while flights between Harare and Chiredzi will be introduced from September 5.
The new connections are expected to make it easier for international buyers arriving through Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport to reach Masvingo, while giving tourists more convenient access to attractions in the province and the wider Lowveld.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Deputy Minister Tongai Mnangagwa said the Government was particularly pleased with the Harare-Masvingo connection because of the number of international buyers expected at Sanganai.
“We are happy that Air Zimbabwe has introduced those flights to cater for the anticipated boom in traffic to the ancient city for the Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo,” he said.
“The flights are expected to serve most of our international buyers who are coming for the expo, and most of them are coming via Robert (Gabriel) Mugabe International Airport and they will be able to connect to Masvingo City.”
Bongani Ndlovu