MINISTRY RALLIES MOMENTUM FOR SANGANAI/HLANGANANI TOURISM EXPO 2025

Riding on a wave of anticipation for the Sanganai/Hlanganani Kumbanayi Tourism Expo 2025, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Barbara Rwodzi, led a high-level stakeholders’ meeting at Queen’s Hall in Mutare to rally momentum for the event. Joined by the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza and Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Tongai Mnangagwa, the Minister underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in positioning Manicaland as a top tourism destination ahead of the Expo, which will run from 10–12 September at Mutare Sports Club.

The decision to hold the expo in Mutare for the first time is a strategic move by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) to decentralize major national events and promote the diverse tourism offerings beyond the traditional hubs of Victoria Falls and Bulawayo. The Sanganai/Hlanganani expo is Zimbabwe’s premier international tourism exhibition, bringing together global tourism operators, travel writers, hoteliers, and airlines. Its move to Manicaland is expected to provide a significant economic boost to the province, with local businesses anticipating a surge in activity.

During the meeting, Minister Rwodzi issued a strong call to action for local businesses to innovate and enhance their service offerings. She emphasized the need for maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hospitality, even within private homes, to accommodate the expected influx of international buyers, exhibitors, and tourism enthusiasts. This push for excellence is aimed at ensuring that Manicaland not only shines during the expo but also solidifies its reputation as a world-class destination for future visitors. She further emphasized the need for stakeholders to remit the 2% tourism levy, a crucial component for ensuring the sustainable development and promotion of the sector.

To facilitate the successful hosting of the Expo, the Ministry is investing in upgrading key infrastructure in Mutare. This includes improvements to roads, public amenities, the Mutare Sports Club (the main venue), and the Grand Reef Aerodrome. These enhancements will improve accessibility and ensure a seamless experience for all visitors. With its majestic scenic places, including the Bvumba Mountains, Nyanga National Park, and the awe-inspiring Mutarazi Falls, Manicaland stands ready to host the world and showcase the very best of Zimbabwean tourism. The expo provides an invaluable platform to not only attract international visitors but also to foster community-led tourism ventures and rebrand the province as a leading adventure and eco-tourism destination.