Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
MASVINGO Province is ramping up preparations to host this year’s Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo in September, with stakeholders confident the event will boost tourism, attract investment and reinforce the province’s growing status as an economic hub.
Renowned for its rich cultural heritage and diverse tourism offerings, Masvingo boasts some of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated attractions, including the Great Zimbabwe National Monument, Tugwi-Mukosi Dam, Lake Mutirikwi, Gonarezhou National Park, the striking Chilojo Cliffs and Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve. Combined with the Lowveld’s extensive sugar estates and a steadily expanding hospitality sector, these attractions have positioned the province as one of the country’s leading tourism destinations.
The province’s tourism assets are expected to take centre stage during Zimbabwe’s premier tourism exhibition, which stakeholders believe will create significant opportunities for local businesses and investors.
Businessman Mr Junior Marima said hosting the expo would stimulate economic activity across several sectors.
“Hosting the Sanganai Expo in Masvingo presents enormous opportunities for local businesses. We are expecting increased activity in the construction industry, accommodation facilities, transport services, restaurants, tourism operations and informal trading. More importantly, this is an opportunity for us to market Masvingo as an investment destination and demonstrate the province’s potential beyond tourism.”
Residents have also welcomed the decision to bring the event to the province, describing it as an opportunity to showcase local heritage while creating economic benefits for communities.
“We believe visitors coming to Masvingo will appreciate our heritage, culture and development potential while local people also benefit economically,” said Mr Phainos Makwarimba.
Players in the hospitality industry are already preparing for increased demand ahead of the event.
“We are expanding our accommodation facilities to cater for more people and are focusing on delivering quality services,” said Ms Tanaka Mazorodze.
The expo is also being viewed as a major success for Government’s decentralisation agenda, which seeks to spread national events and their economic benefits across all provinces.
Masvingo Town Clerk Engineer Edward Mukaratirwa said the city is working to ensure infrastructure and services are ready before the event.
“We are maintaining critical water infrastructure and improving our road network to ensure smooth traffic flow. We welcome the decentralisation of such national events because it promotes both domestic and international tourism while giving us an opportunity to market our city.”
Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira described the hosting rights as a vote of confidence in the province’s ability to stage major national and international events.
“Beyond tourism promotion, this event will allow us to showcase opportunities in mining, agriculture, infrastructure development, manufacturing and hospitality. We expect the expo to leave a lasting legacy through increased investment, enhanced visibility of the province and growth of local businesses.”
With preparations gathering pace, expectations are high that the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo will not only spotlight Masvingo’s tourism appeal but also unlock new business and investment opportunities that will continue to benefit communities long after the exhibition concludes.
