Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe Zimpapers Business Hub
THE prestigious Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo traces its origins to the Manica Travel Expo, which was privately initiated by Manica Travel in 1982, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi has said.
Briefing the media on Thursday, Minister Rwodzi noted that what is now Zimbabwe’s flagship tourism showcase began as a private sector initiative more than four decades ago.
This year’s edition, the 18th, will run under the theme “Devolving Sustainable Tourism Development – Our Future” from September 10 to 12 in Mutare, Manicaland Province.
Minister Rwodzi traced the event’s growth, saying “The Manica Travel Expo was privately initiated by Manica Travel in 1982.
“This Expo was to specifically promote travel in the region, especially holidaying in Mauritius, Mozambique and South Africa, and to advance domestic travel through the Air Zimbabwe flame lily packages, as well as educating the public about holidaying opportunities in the country and the region.”
She added that by 1990, with the expo growing in scale, the National Tourism Board assumed responsibility for the fair, rebranding it as the Zimbabwe Travel Expo, hosted at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC).
“The promulgation of the Tourism Act Chapter 14:20 of 1996 saw the birth of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority that quickly transformed the Zimbabwe Travel Expo,” Minister Rwodzi said.
The Expo rapidly expanded to attract regional tourism boards, airlines, tour operators and local players. Following a market survey, the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo was identified as the most suitable venue, leading to its rebranding as Sanganai/Hlanganani in 2008.
Minister Rwodzi said this year’s relocation to Mutare was both symbolic and strategic.
“We have found it important for the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi 18th edition to be held in Mutare as it has been in Bulawayo for 17 years.
“This is a historic moment in the life of Sanganayi/Kumbanayi Tourism Expo where, as you may be aware, for the first time, the Expo was moved to Mutare, Manicaland from the traditional hosts, Bulawayo, in line with the devolution agenda and President Emmerson D. Mnangagwa’s vision of leaving no one and no place behind,” she said.
