Tendai Gukutikwa
Liberty Dube
Tourism Correspondent
THE rhythmic beat of the African drum will soon echo through the exhibition booths at Mutare Sports Club, as Zimbabwe prepares to welcome the world to its doorstep.
In a build up to the expo, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has officially released registration details, rules, and regulations for local exhibitors, eager to participate in the Sanganai World Tourism Expo, set to light up the City of Mutare early September.
For three vibrant days, Manicaland’s tourism capital will become a melting pot of cultures, ideas and opportunities, as over 400 exhibitors from across the globe gather under one roof.
From luxurious safari lodges and adrenaline-fueled adventures to investment opportunities and cultural treasures, this year’s expo promises a kaleidoscope of experiences.
Local exhibitors will proudly showcase a spectrum of tourism offerings in various categories such as elegant accommodation services that combine comfort with authentic Zimbabwean warmth, aviation and transport companies opening gateways to new adventures; boat operators offering serene lake cruises and thrilling river expeditions; and car hire services, making every corner of Zimbabwe accessible; Community-Based Tourism (CBT) projects; where rural councils bring travellers closer to the people and landscapes that define the nation, conference facilities for a growing business tourism market; hunting safaris; investment prospects; restaurants; tour operators; and many more.
For the first time in 17 years, the Sanganai world Tourism Expo will be hosted outside Bulawayo, making its debut in Manicaland Province.
The move has been welcomed as a significant milestone for tourism development and inclusivity.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Barbra Rwodzi said recently that those who are in the supply chain of tourism are expected to show up in numbers and exhibit their services and products.
“Sanganai World Tourism Expo is coming to Manicaland province, marking its first exit from Bulawayo in 17 years, and we expect a huge number of exhibitors. This is largely because we are inviting a diverse range of exhibitors who are part of the tourism value chain.
“Unlike previous years, where exhibitors were mainly from hospitality, food, accommodation, airlines, and car sales, this time we are also targeting suppliers and those in the tourism supply chain, and we anticipate a significant turnout from Manicaland, the host province,” she said.
Minister Rwodzi’s statement highlights the expanded scope of this year’s event thereby embracing not only frontline tourism operators, but also those who fuel the industry from behind the scenes, from suppliers and artisans to service providers.
The ZTA has urged all local participants to secure their spots early, as stands are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
To confirm participation, exhibitors must submit their applications with the required deposit.
Full payment is due by August 30, 2025, and late stand setups will attract a US$100 penalty fee.
This diversity ensures the expo will capture the full breadth of Zimbabwe’s tourism offerings from luxury lodges and adventure experiences to cultural heritage and investment avenues.
Exhibition space is being offered at competitive rates, starting from US$60/m² for certain categories, with other segments priced at US$65/m² and US$95/m² depending on the product group.
Co-exhibitors will attract an additional charge of US$50 per sharing exhibitor.
To secure a spot, exhibitors must act quickly, as stands will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and preferred locations cannot be guaranteed.
The ZTA emphasised that full payment must be made by 30 August 2025, after which unpaid reservations may be forfeited.
Terms and Conditions at a glance
• Allocation is not location-guaranteed.
• A valid application requires a completed contract and deposit.
• No refunds will be issued for non-participation once payment is made.
• A penalty fee of US$100 applies for late stand setup.
• ZTA will not be liable for property damage or loss.
• Payments should be made via bank transfer or deposit to the official ZTA account.
The Expo has grown into a powerful platform for Zimbabwe to showcase its tourism brilliance to the world.
It’s where international travel agents discover new destinations, where investors spot opportunities, and where Zimbabwe tells its story — a story of breath-taking landscapes, diverse wildlife, rich heritage, and unmatched hospitality.
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