Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe in Mutare
EXHIBITORS at the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo have expressed satisfaction with the rich business prospects and strategic networking opportunities unlocked by this year’s showcase.
Running under the powerful theme, “Devolving Sustainable Tourism Development — Our Future”, the 2025 edition of the expo has once again affirmed its status as Southern Africa’s premier tourism trade fair, offering a vibrant platform for promoting Zimbabwe’s diverse tourism assets while fostering regional integration.
Held annually, the event continues to attract local and international tourism players, with this year’s gathering resonating strongly among stakeholders championing sustainable tourism as a catalyst for economic development and environmental stewardship.
In interviews with Zimpapers Business Hub yesterday, exhibitors described the first day of the expo as “phenomenal”, highlighting the high quality of engagements with travel agents, tour operators and international buyers.
“The quality of business leads we have generated here is outstanding,” said Mr Tendai Nyamutshima, a tour operator from Mutasa District of Manicaland Province.
“We met potential clients and partners who are genuinely interested in promoting eco-friendly and community-based tourism initiatives.”
For many small and medium enterprises, Sanganai is proving to be more than just a marketing platform, it is a launchpad into new markets.
“Being part of Sanganai has allowed us to showcase our authentic cultural experiences to a wider audience,” said Ms Chipo Chimikura, who runs a community-based lodge in the Eastern Highlands. “The emphasis on sustainability aligns with our approach, and we are hopeful that these new contacts will translate into bookings and collaborations.”
Beyond business deals, local authorities are seizing the opportunity to pitch their tourism potential to investors.
Among them, the City of Bulawayo is spotlighting its rich cultural and historical assets.
Bulawayo has also thrown its full weight behind the decision to host the 2025 edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo in Mutare, — viewing the shift as a chance to learn and evolve.
“Some people from Bulawayo have been complaining, saying this event has moved to Mutare and maybe it’s a disadvantage to Bulawayo,” said Bulawayo Economic Development Officer Mr Kholisani Moyo.
“To us it’s not a disadvantage. It gives us an opportunity to learn how other provinces are managing these events. When we return, we hope to improve our own hosting capabilities.”
Mr Moyo underscored the city’s commitment to leveraging the expo to market Bulawayo’s untapped tourism wealth.
“This is the first time for Bulawayo to exhibit outside the city. For years, we’ve hosted the event. Now we are outside, and we are excited,” he said.
“We have crafted a strong theme focused on our city’s wealth, its culture, heritage, and natural surroundings.”
Among the iconic sites being promoted are the Inxwala site, the Hanging Tree, the Joshua Nkomo statue, a symbol of national pride replacing the former Cecil John Rhodes statue, the cenotaph, and the Citadel Well, popularly known as the Wishing Well. “We are building our tourism narrative around our city’s deep heritage,” Mr Moyo added. “There is immense potential in our historical landmarks and we want the world to see it.”
Meanwhile, Beitbridge Municipality is positioning itself as Zimbabwe’s next frontier for riverfront tourism, inviting investors to partner in the transformation of the Limpopo River corridor.
Globally, riverfront developments have catalysed economic revitalisation, and Beitbridge, home to the country’s busiest port of entry, is eager to tap into that global trend.
“We are joining others in promoting and marketing tourism opportunities,” said Beitbridge Municipality’s public relations and development officer, Mr Ranial Ndou.
“We are endowed with a lot of potential, especially along the Limpopo River, where we aim to develop the front. Investors can come in and set up activities including water sports, crocodile farming, and chalets.”
He said the municipality was already conducting feasibility studies to prepare for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) that will spearhead development.
Beitbridge’s unique offering combines natural beauty, agriculture, wildlife, history, and a booming beef industry, making it a strategic destination for both domestic and international tourists.
Organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry in partnership with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), the annual Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi Expo has evolved into a critical marketplace for Africa’s tourism sector.
The platform continues to connect the continent’s tourism players, building new value chains, strengthening cross-border collaboration, and unlocking opportunities for investment, innovation, and growth.
