Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Ezra Chadzamira (pic by Lovejoy Mutongwiza)
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA in MASVINGO
Masvingo’s tourism sector is projected to grow by 8.5 percent annually, creating demand for about 1,500 additional hotel rooms by 2027, Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Ezra Chadzamira has said.
Chadzamira said the projected growth presented huge investment opportunities in accommodation and other tourism facilities as the province continues to position itself as a major tourism destination.
Speaking at the Tourism Investment Forum at the ongoing Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe 2026 World Tourism Expo at Masvingo’s Gymkhana Events and Conference Centre, Minister Chadzamira said the province was already experiencing growing demand for accommodation, particularly for larger and environmentally focused hotels.
“Our tourism sector is ripe for immediate investment, particularly in accommodation. “Tourist arrivals in the province are projected to grow at 8.5 percent annually, generating a demand for 1,500 new hotel rooms by 2027,” he said.
He said the growing demand for accommodation was being met through new investments, with the iconic Greater Zimbabwe Hotel already undergoing a multi-million-dollar expansion.
“Notably, the iconic Great Zimbabwe Hotel is already undergoing a multi-million-dollar expansion to meet this rising demand.”
The minister said Masvingo was also working to improve air connectivity and other critical infrastructure to support the anticipated growth in tourism.
He said plans were underway to attract world-class hotels and modern accommodation facilities as the province seeks to strengthen its tourism offering.
Chadzamira said the decentralisation of the premier tourism expo to Masvingo was a vote of confidence in the province’s tourism and investment potential.
“It gives me immense pleasure that this premier national event has been decentralised and mushroomed directly, aligning with the Second Republic’s guiding philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.
“This decision represents a profound vote of confidence in our province’s capacity, as well as a clear recognition of our vast potential as an economic and tourism investment destination.”
The province is home to the Great Zimbabwe National Monument, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as Lake Mutirikwi, Gonarezhou National Park and other attractions.
Chadzamira said the province’s tourism potential, combined with its rich natural resources, presented opportunities for investors across the tourism value chain.
“While Masvingo is your proud host today, I ask you to view our province as the launchpad of a broader Zimbabwe-wide portfolio,” he said.
He encouraged investors attending the expo to explore opportunities in Masvingo, saying investment in the province would contribute to job creation, technology transfer and community involvement.
“By partnering with us, you directly contribute to job creation, technological transfer and local community involvement,” Chadzamira said.
The 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo is being held in Masvingo from started on Wednesday and ends on Saturday (September 9 to 12), with the event bringing together tourism operators, buyers, investors and other players in the sector.
