Sanganai Expo preparations gather pace as inspections continue

Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]

MINISTRY of Tourism and Hospitality Industry officials on Thursday embarked on another inspection tour of facilities hosting the 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo, as Masvingo steps up preparations to deliver a resounding success and showcase Zimbabwe’s diverse tourism offering to international markets.

The main Expo, which runs from September 9 to 12 at the Gymkhana Events and Conference Centre, is being positioned as more than a tourism showcase.

The government aims to leverage the event to enhance destination marketing, attract international visitors and investment, boost tourist spending, and create opportunities for local communities and businesses.

Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi led the delegation during Thursday’s inspection of the venue and other key facilities, with the exercise aimed at ensuring that infrastructure, services and logistical arrangements are ready to meet the expectations of exhibitors, international buyers, delegates and visitors.

In addition, the inspection aimed to identify opportunities to sustain tourism development after the event.

Deputy Minister Tongai Mnangagwa, Permanent Secretary Dr Takaruza Munyanyiwa, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive officer Dr George Manyaya and other stakeholders accompanied her.

The inspection comes as Masvingo seeks to leverage Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe to demonstrate how an integrated tourism offering can generate wider economic benefits by connecting sport, gastronomy, music, heritage and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism.

In an update, the ministry said Masvingo was positioning itself as a gateway to an integrated Zimbabwean tourism experience, with activities ranging from MICE and sports tourism to gastronomy, music and heritage.

The build-up to the Expo begins on 1 September with the September Sports Tourism Carnival, featuring 11 sporting disciplines, including football, basketball, golf, cricket, netball, boxing, volleyball, rugby, pool and marathon activities.

“Beyond competition, Sports Tourism will stimulate Tourist expenditure, support Tourism businesses, create income opportunities and contribute to the growth of the economy,” the Ministry said.

On 5 September, the Street Carnival will bring together gastronomy, music and cultural experiences, further building momentum towards the main Expo.

“By connecting Sports Tourism, Gastronomy Tourism, Music, Heritage, MICE and the business of Tourism, the programme is designed to extend tourist stay and create greater opportunities for communities and Tourism enterprises to benefit from increased visitor activity.”

Anchored by the iconic Great Zimbabwe, Masvingo is seeking to use Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe as a catalyst for devolved tourism development and to demonstrate to international markets how heritage, culture, entertainment, business and sport can be packaged into a compelling tourism product.

The approach is also in line with Government’s vision of leaving no one and no place behind by ensuring tourism growth translates into opportunities beyond traditional tourism centres.

With international buyers, exhibitors and tourism stakeholders expected at the Expo, the inspection tour underscores Government’s drive to ensure the event delivers a high-quality experience while generating lasting business linkages, investment opportunities and greater international visibility for Zimbabwe’s tourism sector.