Online Reporter
Liberty Dube in HONDE VALLEY
THE Sanganai World Tourism Expo has its roots in the Manica Travel Expo – a privately initiated event launched in 1982.
The expo, launched by Manica Travel in 1982, sought to promote regional travel, particularly to Mauritius, Mozambique, and South Africa, as well as domestic travel through Air Zimbabwe’s flame lily packages.
By 1990, the expo had grown significantly, prompting Manica Travel to hand over its organization to the National Tourism Board. The Zimbabwe Tourist Development Corporation (ZTDC) subsequently took over, rebranding the event as the Zimbabwe Travel Expo.
The promulgation of the Tourism Act in 1996 led to the establishment of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, which transformed the expo into an annual event. The rebranded Sanganai World Tourism Expo, launched in 2008, incorporated exhibitors from regional tourist boards, airlines, tour operators, and local tourism players.
After a survey, the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZITF) in Bulawayo became the expo’s venue.
However, the 18th edition of the expo marked a historic shift, with the event being held in Mutare, Manicaland, for the first time.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbra Rwodzi said the latest move was in line with the devolution agenda and President Mnangagwa’s vision of inclusive development.
“For 17 years, the expo was held in Bulawayo, but we deemed it crucial to bring it to Manicaland this year,” said Minister Rwodzi, while also highlighting the expo’s rebranding, which now includes “Kumbanayi,” a term from the local Manyika dialect, emphasizing unity, participation, and cultural inclusivity.
This change aims to reflect the expo’s rotational hosting across provinces, promoting linguistic balance and community engagement.
“Previously the Expo was known as Sanganai/Hlanganani to reflect the two major local languages, Shona and Ndebele. Rebranding/renaming to Sanganai/Kumbanayi was very intentional and the inclusion underscores the main theme of “meeting or gathering” or a call to “join in” and “be part” in the local Manyika dialect. Next year we will name it according to the main language spoken in the province that will be hosting Sanganai. This is aimed at emphasizing unity, participation, collective engagement and cultural inclusivity in the local context,” she said.
As the expo continues to evolve, it remains a vital platform for stakeholders, including local communities, regional players, exhibitors, and buyers, to converge and promote tourism development.
