Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe in Masvingo
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has hailed the people of Masvingo for turning out in their thousands for the 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe World Tourism Expo, saying the overwhelming attendance reflects the province’s growing appreciation of tourism as a key driver of economic development.
The massive turnout, which saw the main auditorium filled to capacity during yesterday’s official opening ceremony, added colour and vibrancy to the country’s premier tourism showcase, drawing
Government officials, traditional leaders, tourism operators, international buyers, exhibitors, students and members of the public.
President Mnangagwa also commended Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, for mobilising communities across the province and ensuring an impressive turnout for the event.
Addressing delegates during his keynote speech, the President said he was delighted by the warm reception he received from the people of Masvingo.
“The programmes that marked this year’s edition provided the intricate linkages for travel promoters, visitors and small medium enterprises towards enhancing the competitiveness of Masvingo Province as a tourism destination.
“Well done, well done Masvingo. I say to you Masvingo Province and leadership congratulations, makorokoto amhlophe. You have raised the bar high, the next Province (to host Sanganai) has problem to exceed this excellence. I thank you Masvingo people. Ndafara, ndarafa nokuuya kwenyu. Well done for the manner in which you organised the event. Just look at the crowds here,” he said, amid thunderous applause.
President Mnangagwa also praised Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi for her role in driving growth and development within the tourism sector.
“Well done, well done madam,” he said.
The enthusiastic response underscored the growing importance of the Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo as a strategic platform for showcasing Zimbabwe’s tourism potential, attracting investment, fostering business linkages and strengthening destination marketing.
Hosting this year’s edition in Masvingo has also placed the province’s tourism assets firmly in the spotlight, providing local operators with an opportunity to engage international buyers and investors while positioning the province for increased tourist arrivals and investment.
Strong public interest was evident from the early hours of the day, with the main auditorium reaching full capacity well before the official proceedings began as delegates and members of the public scrambled for seats.
Organisers were forced to establish an additional viewing area outside the venue, where those unable to gain entry followed proceedings on a television screen.
Speaking on the significance of hosting the event, Minister Chadzamira thanked President Mnangagwa for supporting the staging of Sanganai/Hlanganani in Masvingo, saying the expo was helping position the province as a key economic hub.
“Your presence is monumental honor for people of Masvingo as Sanganai is positioning the province to be key economic driver,” he said.
Minister Chadzamira said the expo was not only about promoting individual tourist attractions but also about marketing Masvingo and Zimbabwe to the international community.
“We are not just showcasing destinations but Masvingo and Zimbabwe as a whole,” he said.
He said the province intended to leverage the expo to accelerate economic transformation and realise its target of building an US$8 billion economy by 2030.
“The province is not merely participating but it is thrust at achieving the provincial target of a US$8 billion economy by 2030. That is our promise and tourism is a key economic driver that will get us there.”
Minister Chadzamira said preparations for the expo had also stimulated investment in hospitality infrastructure, with accommodation capacity expanded to cater for delegates, exhibitors, buyers and visitors.
“The occupancy rate has grown to 1 900 rooms to ensure delegates are accommodated,” he said.
f Sanganai/Hlanganani is expected to boost business for hotels, lodges, restaurants, transport operators, retailers, entertainment providers and other enterprises across the tourism value chain.
Masvingo is home to some of Zimbabwe’s premier tourism and heritage attractions, including the Great Zimbabwe Monument, Kyle Recreational Park, Gonarezhou National Park and the scenic Chilojo Cliffs.
The province is seeking to leverage these assets to increase tourist arrivals, extend visitor stays and unlock investment opportunities in line with Government’s broader strategy of positioning tourism as a pillar of economic growth.
President Mnangagwa also used the occasion to call for intensified domestic tourism campaigns, urging Zimbabweans to explore local destinations before travelling abroad.
He said domestic tourism was critical to strengthening the country’s tourism industry while ensuring communities and businesses benefit from increased visitor activity.
He encouraged families and friends to visit the country’s many attractions, including Matopo Hills.
“Go and visit Matopo Hills as a family and friends,” he said.
The call is expected to reinforce efforts to cultivate a culture of domestic travel while creating a dependable market for tourism operators, particularly during periods of low international arrivals.
Zimbabwe boasts a diverse range of tourism attractions, including Victoria Falls, Great Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park, Matobo National Park and the Eastern Highlands.
The Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe World Tourism Expo comes at a strategic time as Government seeks to deepen destination marketing, attract investment and increase tourism’s contribution to the national economy.
