Story by Tichaona Kurewa
AHEAD of this year’s Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo, journalists from across Zimbabwe have embarked on a pre-expo media tour designed to showcase the country’s rich tourism offering, with the Eastern Highlands taking centre stage.
The familiarisation tour, organised by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), has given media practitioners the opportunity to directly experience some of the country’s leading attractions, including Mount Nyangani, Nyangombe Falls, local plantations, and Nyanga National Park.
Far from being a mere sightseeing excursion, the initiative has provided journalists with deeper insight into Zimbabwe’s tourism gems, enriching their capacity to tell compelling stories that position the country as a destination of choice.
“This tour is a game-changer for our reporting. Seeing these destinations up close gives us authentic stories to tell. It is no longer just research; it is real experience,” New Ziana reporter, Sharon Chigeza said.
“This is first-hand experience. It is definitely going to enhance the way we write our stories. We appreciate this opportunity,” Diamond FM reporter, Lawrence Lifa said.
“This kind of exposure is key for media practitioners. We are now writing from an informed position, we can tell a better story to the world,” Zimpapers’ reporter, Rutendo Nyeve said.
“Writing about something you have experienced is always best. We, as journalists, become ambassadors, not just through our work, but also through word of mouth,” Eastern Times reporter, Ngoni Dapira said.
“When we know first, we tell better stories. We are grateful for this opportunity to explore key attractions in the Eastern Highlands, which helps us showcase Destination Zimbabwe,” ZiFM reporter, Sitheni Nleya said.
The media tour sets the stage for the world-renowned Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi Expo, which officially opens this Wednesday in Harare, bringing together local and international tourism stakeholders for networking, investment, and cultural exchange.
