Moffat Mungazi
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
THE announcement that this year’s Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo will be held in Manicaland for the first time ever is sweet music to the ears of Mutare creatives.
The development is undoubtedly the most significant event to ever occur in the province’s tourism and leisure sector, marking a transformative milestone for the region.
It not only highlights Manicaland’s growing appeal as a key tourism destination, but also promises to elevate the local economy, create new business opportunities, and bring international exposure to the province’s vibrant culture and natural beauty. The event is set to leave a lasting impact on the industry, further positioning the province as a major player in the country’s tourism landscape.
This exciting development opens up a world of opportunities for local artistes, artists, performers, and entrepreneurs, allowing them to showcase their talents and unique offerings to a broader audience.
With the event attracting global attention, it promises to be a game-changer for local creatives, boosting tourism and fostering collaboration across various sectors.
Bulawayo and Harare are two main provinces that have been hosting the expo for close to 17 years.
This year’s expo is likely to attract, hugely, and more than ever, global audience, offering creatives an opportunity to showcase their work to international tourists, industry professionals, and potential business partners, raising awareness of their talents and cultural heritage.
Creatives and arts gurus applauded the development.
Diamond FM station manager, Jabulani ‘JB’ Mangezi said: “This is the greatest development ever for the tourism, arts and culture sector in Zimbabwe.
“You know, international buyers usually perceive Zimbabwe as Victoria Falls, but this opportunity to showcase Manicaland will really open up new opportunities. We got so much more to offer from sculptors to ladies who weave carpets and baskets around Nyanyadzi and other areas in Chimanimani District as well as the crochet work that takes place in Vumba.
“ There are amazing opportunities for artists to really showcase what they can do, not only to local buyers, but also to buyers from as far afield as Asia, Europe. I think this is a big opportunity for Manicaland to attempt to reach its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth target via tourism, which will then complement what is happening in mining, agriculture and manufacturing.”
Filmmaker, Igi Matope said art and culture are an integral part of tourism.
“The expo is an international event that attracts tourism agency and other players in the international community. It is a great opportunity for us to showcase our talents and products on such a big stage. We also hope this expo will translate to more business opportunities and good revenue,” he said.
Afro-jazz musician, WaCharie said: “We cannot separate art and tourism. Tourism brings people from different places which creates a platform to a wider audience, for our local talents, if done properly. Our art is based mostly on culture and heritage which is the face of our rich Zimbabweanism. This is an opportunity for local artistes in Mutare and surrounding areas, since Manicaland has been on the sidelines for a while as far as tourism is concerned, yet we have a lot to offer.”
National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe marketing executive, Lloyd Makonya said: “This is truly exciting news for many creatives in this region who never had the opportunity to present their craft and skills to such a diverse audience from various countries and cultures.
“It provides a valuable chance to promote their work and highlight Zimbabwe’s rich heritage. However, a potential challenge lies in finding a central location to display their creations, particularly for visual artists, since Mutare Gallery, which once served as a key platform and space for exhibitions was closed.”
Performing artiste, Taurai Moyo said: “The upcoming expo presents a valuable opportunity for local creatives and the tourism sector as a whole.
“While I appreciate the expo’s rotation to different provinces, highlighting various tourist attractions, I believe it is essential to prioritise cultural tourism within the event.
As a stakeholder in the cultural tourism sector, I urge the tourism authority to recognise the significant contribution of cultural tourism to the industry.
By acknowledging and supporting cultural tourism as a commercial entity, rather than a social enterprise, the expo can unlock the full potential of this sector, driving economic growth and promoting Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage.”
Online Reporter