Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira (left) and Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
Masvingo is stepping up preparations to host the 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo, with major infrastructure projects nearing completion ahead of the prestigious tourism showcase.
The province is positioning itself to use the expo to showcase its rich cultural heritage, tourism attractions and investment opportunities while ensuring the event leaves a lasting economic and infrastructural footprint.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi, together with Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira, recently toured key facilities in the province, including the Gymkhana Tourism Park, Masvingo Airport and the Great Zimbabwe Visitor Centre, to assess preparations.
The decision to devolve Sanganai to different cities is in line with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Devolution Agenda of “leaving no one and no place behind”, while also supporting Vision 2030 and the economic transformation thrust under the Second National Development Strategy (NDS2).
This year’s Sanganai programme will begin with a Sports Tourism Carnival from September 1 to 4, followed by the Street Carnival on September 5, before the main expo runs from September 9 to 12.
With the iconic Great Zimbabwe providing a distinctive backdrop, Masvingo is expected to use the event to expose international tourism players to the province’s diverse attractions and investment opportunities.
It was also revealed that preparations at the Gymkhana Tourism Park are already about 80 percent complete.
The facility is expected to house a restaurant, bar, gastronomy hub, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority offices and a mini-stadium, while a conference centre is planned as a future development.
The infrastructure upgrades are expected to enhance Masvingo’s capacity to host major tourism and events activities long after Sanganai has ended.
The refurbishment of Masvingo Airport, road improvements and upgrades to the expo site are also expected to improve connectivity and leave the province with infrastructure capable of supporting tourism growth beyond the event.
So far, 270 exhibitors have registered, with the number expected to rise to 450.
And there are currently 129 international buyers and 44 local buyers registered, with participation continuing to build ahead of the expo.
The Great Zimbabwe Visitor Centre will host the welcome cocktail, giving international tourism players an opportunity to experience one of Zimbabwe’s most iconic heritage sites while interacting with local tourism operators.
Minister Rwodzi said Masvingo’s strategic location along the regional Cape-to-Cairo corridor presented significant opportunities for tourism investment.
The province, she said, could attract investment in five-star accommodation, conference facilities, restaurants, lodges and other tourism products.
The expo is also expected to strengthen Zimbabwe’s international tourism market, with Australia participating in Sanganai for the first time following a Zimbabwean tourism roadshow.
In addition, increased numbers of Indian tourists have been recorded at destinations showcased during the previous expo in the Eastern Highlands, highlighting the potential of Sanganai to translate international exposure into tourist arrivals and investment.
The devolved model is therefore expected to strengthen the connection between international market exposure, tourism growth, investment and sustainable economic opportunities for communities across the provinces.
For Masvingo, hosting Sanganai represents more than a tourism event, with the province seeking to use the platform to unlock its vast tourism potential and position itself as a major investment and tourism destination.
The preparations have brought together Government, local authorities and tourism stakeholders, reflecting a Whole-of-Government approach towards ensuring the expo delivers both immediate and long-term economic benefits.
Also involved in the preparations are Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Tongai Mnangagwa, Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Hospitality Industry Dr Takaruza Munyanyiwa, Permanent Secretary for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Mr Pazvakavambwa, representatives from Masvingo City Council and other key stakeholders.
With major works progressing and registrations continuing to rise, Masvingo is positioning itself to welcome local and international tourism players and showcase the province’s heritage, attractions and investment potential when Sanganai arrives in September.
