Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura and Tendai Gukutikwa
THE tourism sector in Manicaland province will never be the same again after several game-changing infrastructure development projects ahead of the 2025 Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Travel Expo, which ended on Friday.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbra Rwodzi and stakeholders in Manicaland have described the projects as revolutionary.
This year’s tourism expo was held outside Bulawayo for the first time, with Manicaland province hosting it in Mutare.
In preparation for the event, the Grand Reef Aerodrome was rehabilitated, allowing flights into the province.
The expo attracted 843 companies from 23 countries, comprising buyers and exhibitors, who experienced breathtaking tourism offerings in Manicaland, including Nyanga Mountain, Mutarazi Falls, Honde Valley and Vumba forests.
Minister Rwodzi said there were several strategic infrastructure upgrades ahead of the event to ensure Manicaland province was ready to host both local and international visitors.
“At the Grand Reef Aerodrome, we refurbished the runway, upgraded the passenger terminal and improved navigational systems to safely accommodate the return of regular flights from Harare. Roads leading to the aerodrome were also rehabilitated to facilitate smooth access,” she said.
“The National Railways of Zimbabwe also resuscitated the Harare-Mutare passenger train that had long since been halted. We put in a leisure train, and these upgrades are part of a broader plan to strengthen transport and tourism infrastructure across the province.
“The new 30-minute flight from Harare to Mutare, alongside the revival of the Harare-Mutare passenger train, ensures visitors have multiple, convenient travel options. Together, these developments enhance connectivity, create lasting tourism infrastructure and provide a strong foundation for sustained economic growth in the province.”
The infrastructure upgrades, Minister Rwodzi said, are a game-changer for the province’s tourism growth.
“The flight also connects Mutare with Victoria Falls, making it easier for our tourists to connect to and from here. At the same time, the revival of the passenger train along the Harare-Mutare route ensures that tourists and locals alike have more travel options.
“Air Zimbabwe and NRZ are currently providing reliable transport for anyone wishing to travel to Manicaland. These developments are a great addition to our tourism economy,” she said.
Hidden gem
Association of Zimbabwe Travel Agents chairperson Mrs Joice Nyabvure said the expo went well, with thousands of visitors coming and several business deals clinched.
She said Manicaland was a hidden tourism gem that has been opened to the world through Sanganai.
“We thank the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry for hosting Sanganai/ Hlanganani in Mutare. Manicaland has a number of tourist destinations such as Nyanga and Vumba, which have benefitted immensely from being spotlighted during this showcase,” she said.
“The province also has a unique weather pattern; it’s the Little England or Scotland of Zimbabwe. Business deals have been struck here and the number of buyers and visitors was impressive. With the revival of air passenger services following the upgrades at the Grand Reef Aerodrome and the luxury train, tourism in this province is going to change for good. With improved connectivity, it will be easier to market the Eastern Highlands to the world.”
Mrs Nyabvure said the expo was held without challenges as it was well-coordinated in all aspects.
“We hope the next province to host this important event has picked up lessons from here,” she said.
Outgoing Hotel Association of Zimbabwe president Mr Brian Nyakutobwa said Manicaland’s tourism sector will never be the same again.
“It has been quite an experience for Manicaland to host the Sanganai/Hlanganani/ Kumbanayi World Travel Expo for the first time in 17 years away from Bulawayo,” he said.
“It was an amazing experience. It was worthwhile for the province to host such a big exhibition, showcasing what Manicaland has to offer.
“The world was not fully aware of Manicaland; we are receiving very positive and encouraging comments from buyers. Even Zimbabweans who came from other provinces were amazed by what they saw.
“For the people of Manicaland, they benefitted from improved traffic, and many downstream activities occurred as a result of Sanganai. People have been selling their crafts, food and various items that support livelihoods. It was an enriching experience for the industry.
“Our hotels were fully booked and the industry made good sales on food, beverages and other items. “It was a rewarding experience, and what’s more important is to look forward to the aftermath of this whole event because people have shown interest and are promising to return to Manicaland and engage with various service providers,” he said.
Mr Pedro Ribeiro, who runs a safari business in Namibia, said the expo revealed that Zimbabwe has a wider range of tourism offerings.
“It was amazing to discover some of the tourism products here in this part of Zimbabwe. All along we were accustomed to Victoria Falls and Hwange, but now we see the need to expand and cover this part of Zimbabwe when we give packages to our clients,” he said.
