MASVINGO PREPARES TO HOST 19TH SANGANAI/HLANGANANI WORLD TOURISM EXPO

Preparations for the 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbabwe World Tourism Expo are gathering significant momentum following a high-level stakeholder engagement led by the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi. In line with the Devolution Agenda championed by His Excellency, President Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, the strategic decision to host the flagship event in Masvingo Province underscores the government’s commitment to “leaving no one and no place behind.”

The Expo, scheduled to run from 9 to 12 September 2026, marks a pivotal shift in Zimbabwe’s tourism strategy. By rotating the event across various provinces, the Ministry aims to stimulate regional economic growth and ensure that the benefits of the tourism value chain are decentralized. Minister Rwodzi emphasized that this devolution is a cornerstone of achieving Vision 2030 and the economic transformation goals outlined in the National Development Strategy (NDS2).

Masvingo was highlighted as a destination of immense national pride, anchored by the iconic Great Zimbabwe. As the historic birthplace of the nation and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the monument serves as a vital heritage asset that maintains Zimbabwe’s standing on the global stage. The Minister noted that such assets contributed to Zimbabwe being recognized by Forbes as the “World’s Number One Must-Visit Destination” in 2025. She also extended appreciation to the Government of France for its continued support through the French Development Agency (AFD), which is funding significant infrastructure and conservation improvements at the site.

The preparatory meeting brought together key provincial and national leaders, including the Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon. Ezra Chadzamira, and the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Tongai Mnangagwa. Dr. George Manyaya, CEO of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, was also present to discuss the technical and marketing strategies required to host thousands of international buyers and media personnel.

Stakeholders in Masvingo, including hotel operators, transport providers, and local artisans, are now being integrated into the planning process to ensure the province is fully equipped to capitalize on the influx of visitors. With the 2026 edition focused on sustainable heritage tourism, the event is expected to showcase the diversity of the “Ancient City” while solidifying Zimbabwe’s reputation as a premier global travel hub.