Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira in MASVINGO
THE tourism sector is on a sustained growth trajectory, with investment more than tripling to US$132,3 million in the first half of this year, reflecting growing investor confidence, President Mnangagwa has said.
Government, he said, remained committed to removing barriers to tourism development and creating a conducive environment for the sector to flourish.
The President said the sector’s sustained growth and resilience were anchored on National Development Strategy 2 and Vision 2030, which sought to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
Delivering his keynote address at the 19th Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe World Tourism Expo in Masvingo yesterday, he said: “The tourism sector is demonstrating sustained growth, diversity and resilience, attributable to NDS-2 and Vision 2030.
The President delivers his keynote address at the Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe World Tourism Expo at Gymkhana Events and Conference Centre in Masvingo yesterday.
“Models for tourism development must, therefore, continue on this transformative trajectory with tangible benefits, which help lift more people into a higher quality of life.
“Despite the various global realities, Zimbabwe is consolidating its position as one of the best and must visit tourist destinations. Investor confidence remains high, as reflected by tourism investment which rose by 229 percent to US$132,3 million in the first half of 2026 compared to US$40,2 million in the same period in 2025. Congratulations.”
President Mnangagwa said barriers to tourism development must be removed, while the private sector and other stakeholders should complement Government’s efforts.
“On its part, my Government stands ready to guarantee a conducive environment, necessary for the sector to flourish.
“Barriers that inhibit the development of new tourism products must be removed and travel procedures simplified, as we pursue an open sky strategy.
“I call upon the private sector, development partners, communities and all players across the tourism value chain to complement these ongoing efforts,” said President Mnangagwa.
Through collective efforts, the country would secure long-term prosperity and sustainability of the tourism sector.
The President flanked by Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri (right) and Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi (left) enjoys a performance by ZCC Brass Band at the expo.
“My administration will play its part,” he said.
Domestic tourism was also on an upward trajectory, with increased local travel contributing to economic activity and the country’s gross domestic product.
He praised Zimbabweans for visiting local tourist attractions in increasing numbers, resulting in an increase in domestic tourism from five million visitors in the first half of last year to 6,4 million in the same period this year.
“It is commendable that growth in the tourism sector has had trickle-down effects in the creative cultural industries, which contributed 8,8 percent to GDP.
“Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo. Well done Zimbabwe,” he said.
The President encouraged inter-district and inter-provincial travel as part of efforts to promote domestic tourism.
“I challenge the tourism and hospitality industry, along with other stakeholders, to scale up support for programmes such as the Nhaka Yedu/ Ilifa Lethu Domestic Tourism Campaign.
“I invite our people here at home, and in the diaspora to increase local travel to experience the vast beauty of our own country.
“Ngatishanye munyika yekwedu takasununguka, tichifara nemhuri neshamwari. Tozipigwa hedu munyika yaMunhumutapa,” said President Mnangagwa.
Zimbabwe’s growing international profile was helping to position the country as a premier tourism destination.
President Mnangagwa takes a closer look at products on display at the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority stand while the ZTA chief executive officer Dr George Manyaya (second from left) explains. Accompanying him are Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya (right), Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Ezra Chadzamira (behind the President), ZTA board chairman Mr Farai Chimba (second from right) and other officials. — Pictures: Believe Nyakudjara.
To-date, Zimbabwe has received accolades from leading global platforms, including Forbes Magazine 2025 and Condé Nast Magazine 2026.
Recently, the sector was conferred the Gold Award at the 2026 Chinese Tourist Welcome Awards, for excellence in destination marketing.
President Mnangagwa said such recognition affirmed the growing international appeal of Zimbabwe as a premier tourist destination.
The decision to rotate provinces in hosting the tourism expo gave practical effect to Government’s commitment to devolution and decentralisation, ensuring tourism opportunities were spread throughout the country in line with the Second Republic’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.
“The socio-economic dividends, accruing from tourism investments, are creating empowerment and employment opportunities, while also enhancing quality infrastructure, with regards to roads, accommodation, and other social services,” said President Mnangagwa.
Hosting of Sanganai/Hlanganani in Masvingo had seen the transformation of the Gymkhana Events and Conference Centre, and repositioned it as a modern tourism, business, events and conferencing hub.
“These developments were made possible through collaborative synergies under the Whole-of-Government and Society Approach towards shared tourism goals.
“I, therefore, invite international buyers and exhibitors to discover the Zimbabwe that lies beyond the exhibition halls. Please feel free to experience our breathtaking destinations,” he said.
The President encouraged international buyers attending the expo to explore the country’s diverse tourism products while challenging local operators to use the event as a springboard for sustained growth.
“Masvingo Province in particular is challenged to strategically engage with a wide cross-section of stakeholders, to increase investments and develop new tourism products around the Great Zimbabwe Monuments, Lake Mutirikwi, Tugwi Mukosi, Manyuchi Dam, Gonarezhou and other attractions,” said President Mnangagwa.
Buyers from various parts of the world follow proceedings in the opening session.
“It is critically important to re-imagine a tourism development corridor that connects these nodal sites, including liberation war sites such as Kamungoma as well as conservancies along the Save Valley, right down to Chikombedzi, where our local communities hold the Budula Festival-the Great Limpopo Cultural Trade Fair.”
President Mnangagwa said partnerships must strengthen trade and accelerate regional and continental integration, while local authorities should play an enabling role in tourism development.
“Meanwhile, it is my expectation that the frameworks and strategies proffered at this expo should be futuristic as well as fit for purpose, more so in a rapidly evolving global, tech-enabled tourism environment.
“The momentum generated by this event must translate into lasting tourism infrastructure, investment, product development and ultimately an improvement in the quality of life for our people.”
Running under the theme, “Digital agenda and artificial intelligence to redesign tourism,” this year’s expo was described by President Mnangagwa as timely and forward-looking.
The Potraz exhibition stand at the expo.
The decision to host the event in Masvingo was significant, given the province’s status as the home of the Great Zimbabwe monuments and the country’s rich national heritage.
“From here, our country derives its name, ‘Zimbabwe’. The ingenuity and innovation of our forefathers stands evident to this day, as a source of inspiration in the ongoing development, modernisation and industrialisation of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe.
“The towering monuments, are a remarkable achievement in Africa, and a testimony to the organisational sophistication of our ancestry. As such, today we not only look to the past with pride, but into the future with boldness, immense optimism and confidence. Zimbabwe is indeed rising; our great continent of Africa is awakening and taking its rightful place.
An exhibitor from Indonesia showcases his artefacts.
“The imposing Great Zimbabwe Monument is a reminder that Zimbabwe’s tourism products extend beyond the celebrated wildlife and majestic Victoria Falls, ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’.
“Our nation’s competitive advantage equally rests on our rich history, culture, indigenous knowledge systems, music, cuisine, arts and heritage, as well as the warmth and hospitality of our people,” said President Mnangagwa.
Earlier, the President toured exhibition stands to appreciate products and services showcased by companies and entities.
The event was attended by Cabinet ministers, Zanu PF senior leadership, diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe, captains of industry and senior Government officials.
