Godknows Homwe
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
The introduction of the Air Zimbabwe flight between Harare and Masvingo has been welcomed by international tourism buyers, with the move expected to make it easier to market the province as part of Zimbabwe’s tourism destination.
Godknows Homwe, of Yedu Lani Travel, who is based in the United Kingdom, said the new route was a positive development for destination marketing, particularly as Masvingo hosted the 19th Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe World Tourism Expo.
“I’m excited because of Sanganai 2026, especially the Air Zimbabwe route to Masvingo.
“It’s quite a good development, especially for the product in selling Zimbabwe as a destination,” said Homwe.
Air Zimbabwe flight departing from Masvingo Airport (pic by Tsitsi Ndabambi)
Homwe also applauded the devolution of Sanganai/Hlanganani, saying rotating the tourism expo to different parts of the country was important in promoting development and exposing buyers to tourism products outside the traditional destinations.
“One of the things that I’m happy about, especially for Sanganai 2026, is the rotation of this expo here in Masvingo.
“It benefits Masvingo in terms of development. “We have seen what’s been developed.”
He said taking Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo to different provinces would give other destinations an opportunity to showcase their tourism products while benefiting from the exposure brought by international buyers and exhibitors.
Commenting on the experience from this year’s Sanganai/Hlanganani, Homwe said it (expo) had given him an opportunity to meet different tourism suppliers from across Zimbabwe, which would help him package the country for the UK and European markets.
“Just coming off from a speed networking currently. Quite insightful, quite engaging. “Meeting different suppliers here in Zimbabwe.
“It’s quite good to know the products for destination marketing back in the UK and Europe. It’s good to have good quality products that we’re having,” he said.
Homwe added that tourism products like Gonarezhou National Park and the Great Zimbabwe Monuments need to be marketed aggressively.
“And I also met quite a different number of suppliers here in Zimbabwe, some from Victoria Falls, Eastern Highlands and other parts of the country.
“I’m excited to go back and position Zimbabwe in a good positive manner and distribute Zimbabwe to the general market,” he said.
Homwe pictured during a speed networking session
Homwe also commended the leadership of the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, saying the efforts being made to promote Zimbabwe were encouraging.
He praised Minister Barbara Rwodzi, whom he described as an energetic, insightful and visionary leader in the tourism sector.
Homwe said the recognition received by Rwodzi at the African Leadership Tourism Forum recently, was also a reflection of the work being done to promote Zimbabwe’s tourism sector.
“The efforts that the Minister is doing, as well as Dr George Manyaya, it’s a good combination.
“I’m quite confident with Sanganai 2026, what has been transpiring here, both for the domestic market, diaspora and international markets.
“Looking forward to package Zimbabwe as much as we can, especially the hospitality industry, as well as the activities that we have here in Zimbabwe.”
The 19th edition of Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe was held from September 9 to 12 at the Gymkhana Events and Conference Centre in Masvingo.
