Online Reporter
Lloyd Makonya
Correspondent
ZIMBABWE is set to take centre stage on the global tourism calendar when it hosts the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo in Mutare from September 10 to 12 2025.
Organised by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority under the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, the annual trade fair has earned a reputation as Africa’s premier tourism marketplace, showcasing the continent’s diverse tourism products while attracting international buyers, investors and media.
This year’s edition promises to be both dynamic and insightful, offering a blend of business opportunities, academic discourse and cultural celebration. Delegates can look forward to a wide range of exhibitions from leading tourism operators, alongside interactive sessions that highlight new trends, tools and innovations shaping the global travel sector.
The programme includes networking opportunities for trade visitors, who will have the chance to meet suppliers, explore new industry developments, attend live demonstrations and compare products and services.
Exhibitors and buyers will also engage directly, fostering meaningful partnerships that strengthen Zimbabwe’s tourism value chain.Beyond the exhibition floor, sideline events will provide depth and perspective. Speeches by key industry leaders, workshops andseminars are set to explore the current state of the tourism industry at local,regional and global levels. Panel discussions led by subject-matter expertswill further create a platform for dialogue, generating fresh insights and new approaches to sustainable tourism growth. A major highlight of this year’s programme is the Tourism Scholastica Symposium, bringing together institutions of higher learning to interrogate emerging models and trends in the sector.
The symposium will emphasise the role of academic research and innovation in shaping the future of tourism, making it an important bridge between theory and practice.The Expo will be officially opened by His Excellency,the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, underscoring the national importance of the event and reaffirming Government’s commitment to tourism as a key driver of economic growth.
Buyers will also benefit from speed networking sessions, designed to maximise engagement and fast-track connections with multiple exhibitors. These structured interactions will help unlock business opportunities and collaborations across different markets.
With its rich programme of exhibitions, discussions and academic contributions, Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi 2025 is, more than just a trade fair, but a platform to showcase Zimbabwe’s tourism assets while positioning the country and the broader African continent as competitive andsustainable destinations. As Mutare prepares to host the world, the Expo promises to unlock a wealth of travel possibilities, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s role as a key player in the global tourism industry.
