Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
ZIMBABWE is ready to host the 2026 Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo in Masvingo, with preparations gathering momentum to deliver a major international tourism and business platform, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive Dr George Manyaya has said.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Mercedes-Benz 140 Years|140 Places Global Expedition celebrations in Victoria Falls on Friday, Dr Manyaya said preparations for the expo were progressing well, with the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi, leading the team and coordinating closely with the Masvingo provincial leadership led by Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira.
“Preparations are progressing very well, and the Minister is leading the team, while working closely with the provincial leadership in Masvingo led by Honourable Ezra Chadzamira,” said Dr Manyaya.
“There is strong coordination between the Ministry, ZTA, the province and other stakeholders, and this is giving us confidence that Zimbabwe is ready to host the world in Masvingo.”
He said there had been significant interest from international buyers and local tourism stakeholders, with many international participants having already confirmed their participation.
“We have received a huge response from buyers across the world, with many of them having already purchased their tickets. Our local buyers and tourism operators are also ready,” he said. This demonstrates the confidence and excitement around Sanganai and Zimbabwe as a tourism destination,” he said.
“Dr Manyaya said the exhibition had been deliberately structured around clusters and themes to ensure broad participation from different sectors of the economy.
“Sanganai is no longer just about displaying tourism products. We are deliberately creating a platform where tourism intersects with investment, business, culture, gastronomy, sport, MICE and other sectors of the economy.”
He said taking the expo to Masvingo was part of the Government’s broader strategy to decentralise tourism opportunities and expose different parts of the country to international markets.
“Zimbabwe’s tourism story does not begin and end in Harare.
“Every province has unique attractions, products, communities and investment opportunities that deserve national and international exposure,” said Dr Manyaya.
He said Masvingo was particularly well positioned to showcase Zimbabwe’s heritage, wildlife, culture and leisure tourism offerings.
“Masvingo gives us an opportunity to leverage the province’s tremendous tourism potential while demonstrating how tourism can stimulate local economic activity, create opportunities for communities and businesses and attract investment,” he said.
Dr Manyaya said the close coordination between the Ministry and the provincial leadership was helping to ensure that preparations were on course.
“There has been strong coordination between the Ministry, the provincial leadership and various stakeholders. This is a whole-of-Government approach, with different institutions working together towards one objective – to deliver a successful Sanganai/Hlanganani,” he said.
The expo will also have a strong experiential and business programme, with a sports tournament scheduled from September 1 to 4.
Dr Manyaya said several high-level conferences and masterclasses had also been lined up, including the Tourism Investment Conference, MICE Masterclass, Gastronomy Masterclass, Scholastica and a CEO Roundtable.
“The CEO Roundtable will bring together African tourism board CEOs with local CEOs and other tourism enablers. It will provide an important platform for exchanging ideas, forging partnerships and unlocking investment and business opportunities,” he said.
Beyond the business programme, visitors will also be treated to a Street Carnival and a range of entertainment activities designed to showcase Zimbabwe’s culture, creativity and hospitality.
Dr Manyaya said the expo was ultimately about positioning Zimbabwe as a competitive, diverse and investment-ready destination.
“We see decentralisation not simply as moving the venue of an event, but as part of a broader strategy to distribute tourism opportunities, promote domestic tourism, encourage investment and ensure that the benefits of tourism reach communities across the country.
“We are ready to welcome the world to Masvingo and to give our buyers, exhibitors and visitors an experience that truly reflects the spirit of Experience Zimbabwe,” he said.
