Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
MANICALAND has been endorsed as a premier tourism destination by international and regional buyers attending the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo in Mutare, with the province’s breathtaking landscapes, hospitable communities, and unique experiences winning the admiration of delegates.
Buyers drawn from Asia, Europe, and Africa said the Eastern Highlands had the potential to become one of Africa’s most distinctive travel destinations.
“We have seen a lot of opportunities here, for example, cooperation with local travel agencies to market different tourism offerings in Zimbabwe. We will bring Chinese customers here. The national park, luxury hotels, and other scenic places can only be found here in Zimbabwe. We will collaborate with travel agencies, the hotels, and the resorts as we are the biggest travel agency in China,” a Chinese buyer said.
“I am from Mumbai, India. There are a lot of activities that include skywalks and biking. There is a lot to promote here, as this is a unique destination with a very good climate and food. Nyanga National Park is attractive, and Nyanga has the best climatic conditions.”
Beyond travel packages, the buyers view the Eastern Highlands as a strategic tourism and investment hub.
“There are a lot of investment opportunities in Manicaland and the eastern highlands. They have vast land, and the people are very hospitable and down to earth. Reaching the summit of Mount Nyangani was a nice experience, and we went to Vumba and Honde Valley. I have realised that one can invest in solar projects over hill and hotel accommodation projects as well as setting up schools here,” one buyer said.
“We want to generate more businesses in Zimbabwe. Most people have explored Victoria Falls, but they have not explored the eastern highlands, and there is a lot to market here,” an international marketer said.
“We have come to Zimbabwe to explore more about the country. Zimbabwe is not only a place for the big five, but it also offers many adventure activities. The eastern highlands have unique terrain and food, which is amazing. For investors, there are plenty of investment options available,” an investor said.
Exhibitors are optimistic about improved business after several inquiries.
“Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi world tourism expo has created an opportunity for us to market our products. We interacted with our customers, and we are looking forward to our customer base growing,” an exhibitor said.
“We have met a lot of agencies, and we are looking forward to agreeing on a lot of deals with international buyers tomorrow. We have been able to market our products during this event. We are excited that we have had a lot of inquiries,” a local tour operator said.
“The coming of Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi to Eastern Highlands created an opportunity to meet a lot of buyers and tourists and showcase our hotels. We are looking forward to generating big business,” a hotelier said.
“We do scenic flights over the falls and the Zambezi National Park for game viewing. We are really grateful for this opportunity as we have the chance to meet regional, international, and local buyers. The response was very positive, and we are looking forward to working with these buyers,” another exhibitor said.
With the tourism expo heading to Masvingo next year, players from the next hosts have noted that rotating the prime tourism event also comes with local infrastructural development and increased connectivity.
“It is an honour to find ourselves here where we have been given an opportunity to meet international, regional and local buyers. We are also grateful that Masvingo Sanganai is coming to our province. We have already learnt a lot about how we need to prepare, and we are expanding our hotel by 50 more rooms. We are very grateful for the rotation of Sanganai because we have already seen that the event comes with infrastructural developments. The road network has improved, and Mutare is now serviced by air and rail,” General Manager, Great Zimbabwe Hotel, Aretha Takaza said.
With international buyers ready to play a major role, Manicaland’s tourism landscape is now on the cusp of transformation as the rebound of Zimbabwe’s tourism sector takes shape.
