Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve/Nqobile Bhebhe in Birchenough
THE curtain fell on the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo 2025 yesterday, with Government officials, tourism stakeholders and the Manicaland community unanimously declaring the event a landmark success.
The expo has not only showcased Zimbabwe’s splendour but also delivered tangible economic value and lasting infrastructure development to the province.
Held under the theme “Devolving Sustainable Tourism Development — Our Future,” the 18th edition of the expo lived up to its billing and theme, moving from its long-time home in Bulawayo to Mutare in a historic shift that has supercharged the local economy and placed the Eastern Highlands firmly on the global tourism map.
In a demonstration of confidence, more than 409 exhibitors, spanning accommodation providers, travel agents, airlines, parastatals and SMEs, turned up in full force.
They were met by a robust contingent of more than 83 international buyers from key markets including China, India, South Africa, the USA, and the UAE, alongside 12 local buyers ensuring a week of intense networking and deal-making.
The benefits for Manicaland have been immediate and profound.
The influx of international visitors, exhibitors and media created an economic boom for local businesses.
Hotels, restaurants, transport operators and retailers along the entire value chain reported record turnover, providing a significant injection of capital into the provincial economy and creating numerous temporary employment opportunities.
Beyond the immediate economic spin-offs, the expo has been the catalyst for critical, lasting infrastructure development.
In preparation for the event, the Grand Reef Aerodrome received a major facelift, culminating in the highly anticipated recommencement of Air Zimbabwe flights after decades of non-operation.
Furthermore, the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) reintroduced a luxurious passenger train service linking Harare to Mutare, significantly easing access to one of Zimbabwe’s most scenic regions.
Manicaland’s Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, could not contain his excitement at the transformative impact of the expo.
“The expo has been a tremendous blessing for our province. It has not only brought about immediate development, such as the revitalisation of our air and rail links, but it has also marketed Manicaland’s unique tourism gems to the international market on an unprecedented scale.
“We are immensely optimistic that the exposure and connections made this week will translate into sustained investment and long-term growth for our communities,” said Advocate Mugadza.
The week’s events were packed with productive engagements.
It commenced with a Tourism Investment Conference on Tuesday, which brought together Government leaders, investors and industry experts to discuss crucial topics like tourism funding, the development of Provincial Tourism Master Plans, and Public-Private Partnerships.
The forum reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to attracting investment and unlocking opportunities in Manicaland and beyond.
On Wednesday, the Expo was officially opened by President Mnangagwa, who described the event as a resounding success and reaffirmed tourism’s position as a key economic pillar for the nation.
On Thursday, a Tourism Scholastica Conference bridged the gap between academia and industry, bringing together students and seasoned players to shape the future of the sector.
The official programme concluded with a prestigious awards ceremony presided over by the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, recognising excellence across the tourism industry.
All provinces where represented at the expo with the City of Bulawayo officials endorsing the rotational stance.
The celebrations, however, continued into the weekend.
Yesterday, a vibrant beach party was held at the iconic Birchenough Bridge, where the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi, addressed attendees and reflected on the expo’s achievements.
“Sanganai has come to an end. We are very happy to be getting positive feedback. As per our President’s directive, we have developed our national programmes to various provinces.
“We are happy that this year we brought the expo to Manicaland after years of being hosted in Bulawayo.
“We have been getting positive feedback and again, it is also a challenge for us to do better in Masvingo next year. We want to blend our lessons and successes in our next expo.
“What is key to us is to bring economic benefits to various provinces and we managed to do so here in Manicaland,” she said.
She reaffirmed that the core mission of the devolved expo is to ensure no place and no one is left behind.
As the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi Expo prepares to move to Masvingo next year, the resounding success of the 2025 edition in Mutare has set a powerful precedent, proving that tourism is a leading sector driving economic development, empowering communities, and showcasing Zimbabwe’s unique treasures to the world.
The Eastern Highlands have been unveiled and their future has never looked brighter.
Bongani Ndlovu