Moffat Mungazi
Lloyd Makonya
Correspondent
PREPARATIONS for the 2024 Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo have commenced in earnest, marking a historic moment for Zimbabwe’s tourism sector.
This year’s event will take place in Mutare at Mutare Sports Club, the first time the expo has been hosted outside Harare or Bulawayo in its 17-year history.
The move aligns with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030, and his commitment to the mantra of: “Leaving no one and no place behind.”
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Honourable Barbara Rwodzi on Wednesday led a delegation of officials in her ministry and some Manicaland senior Government officials to assess the venue and initiate preparations. Welcoming the team, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, expressed gratitude for President Mnangagwa’s visionary leadership.
“President Mnangagwa’s commitment to ensuring that no place is left behind is evident in this milestone event for Manicaland. We are ready to showcase our province’s potential and make this event a resounding success,” he stated.
Tourism remains a critical driver of Zimbabwe’s economy, contributing significantly to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“In 2024, the sector led GDP contributions ahead of sectors like agriculture which suffered from an El Nino-induced drought and mining which experienced price fluctuations during the course of last year. Manicaland Province, with its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique attractions, plays a pivotal role in this growth which is anchored on heritage based tourism,” said Minister Mugadza.
Minister Rwodzi underscored the importance of leveraging Manicaland’s tourism assets to diversify the country’s offerings.
“While Victoria Falls remains our flagship destination, the Eastern Highlands has immense untapped potential. This Expo is a platform to showcase its beauty to the world,” she said.
The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry’s plans include rejuvenating key sites, such as Hot Springs Resort in Chimanimani, with the aim of transforming it by constructing a world-class restaurant and accommodation facilities.
The decision to host the Expo in Manicaland aligns with the National Development Strategy (NDS1), which emphasizes devolution and inclusive development.
By decentralising major events, Government seeks to stimulate economic growth in previously marginalised regions.
This approach, not only fosters local development, but also advances the broader goal of attaining an upper-middle-income economy by 2030. Minister Rwodzi highlighted the potential long-term benefits of hosting the Expo.
“We aim to leave a lasting legacy in Manicaland by improving infrastructure and boosting the province’s profile as a prime tourism destination. This aligns with the President’s vision of equitable development across all regions,” she noted.
Previous experiences, such as the successful hosting of national independence commemorations in Buhera, have demonstrated the transformative impact of such initiatives.
The Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo attracts international buyers, tourism leaders, and domestic travellers, creating opportunities for local businesses.
Last year’s event in Bulawayo featured 453 exhibitors and 100 international buyers, a benchmark the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry aims to surpass in Mutare. Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Takaruza Munyanyiwa emphasized the ministry’s commitment to maximising awareness and participation.
“We are going all out to ensure this year’s Expo sets new records and showcases the best of Manicaland,” he remarked.
Important preparations noted by the team include addressing critical infrastructure needs, such as road access, electricity, and ablution facilities.
The delegation also inspected key sites, including Sakubva Aerodrome and National Railways of Zimbabwe, to assess their needs as the province commences its preparations for the event.
Among the exhibitions from local and international exhibitors, traditional gastronomy will be also be a major highlight, with exhibitors showcasing Zimbabwean delicacies, a nod to initiatives championed by the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa through her annual National Traditional Cookout Competition. The Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo is more than just a tourism showcase, it is a vehicle for inclusive development.
By hosting this event in Manicaland, Government reaffirms its commitment to equitable progress, ensuring that no community is left behind.
Online Reporter