Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
Preparations to hold this year’s edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, to be hosted in Masvingo province and market their heritage tourism products to the world, are now at an advanced stage.
Masvingo will host this year’s Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo edition from September 9 to 12.
This was necessitated by the Second Republic’s decision to decentralise the hosting of key national events and programmes to provinces in line with the mantra “leaving no one and no place behind”.
Speaking during the introduction of the Fastjet Zimbabwe Airbus A320, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Deputy Minister Tongai Mnangagwa said religious tourism continues to attract thousands of pilgrims from across the region, creating increasing demand for reliable and high-capacity air services.
“Likewise, our Leisure, Nature and Wildlife, Cultural and Heritage, and Diaspora Tourism segments continue to strengthen as more visitors come to experience the majestic Victoria Falls, our abundant wildlife, rich cultural heritage, the Great Zimbabwe World Heritage Site, and the renowned warmth and hospitality of the Zimbabwean people,” he said.
“The additional capacity brought by the Airbus A320 will significantly enhance our ability to serve these growing markets.”
He said this investment also complements the collaborative destination marketing initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, and private-sector partners.
Deputy Minister Mnangagwa said effective destination marketing must always be supported by adequate airlift and there is little value in stimulating demand if visitors cannot conveniently access the destination.
He said the arrival of this aircraft therefore strengthens their collective ability to market Zimbabwe more aggressively across regional and international source markets.
“As we prepare for the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo 2026 in Masvingo, this additional capacity will play an important role in supporting increased visitor arrivals and delivering the seamless travel experience expected by today’s global traveller,” Deputy Minister Mnangagwa said.
He said the Government, through the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, working closely with their sister ministries and agencies, remain committed to creating an enabling policy environment, improving tourism and transport infrastructure, supporting route development and strengthening destination marketing to ensure sustainable growth for both the aviation and tourism sectors.
