Faith Ndou
MASVINGO CITY-Preparations for the 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbabwe World Tourism Expo are gathering momentum with Masvingo Province set to host the prestigious event from the 9th to the 12th of September 2026.
The Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi met key stakeholders at Flamboyant Hotel in Masvingo on Friday, where critical issues surrounding the hosting of the expo were discussed.
According to provincial records in possession of The Midweek Watch, there are 98 tourism facilities offering more than 900 rooms that have registered to provide accommodation for the annual event and more are still coming.
Authorities are working with local councils to register additional bed and breakfast operators ahead of the expo and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority has set February 28 as the due date.
Representing the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira, Permanent Secretary Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa said Masvingo Province is honoured to host the annual premier tourism event.
“As Masvingo Province, we are deeply honoured to host this premier tourism event. It places our province at the centre of national and international attention, and we embrace it with pride and a strong sense of responsibility,” he said.
He highlighted Masvingo’s vast potential, citing its rich land resources, mineral wealth, tourism attractions such as Gonarezhou National Park and control of 54 percent of the country’s dammed water.
“Masvingo is indeed a giant with a wealth of natural resources. Through the devolution framework, we are committed to leveraging these resources for an inclusive, sustainable and investor driven tourism sector,” he said.
The province has set an ambitious target to build an US$8 billion economy by 2030 from the current $5b with tourism playing a key role in the growth trajectory.
“Achieving this goal requires bold strategic thinking, sectoral integration and deliberate efforts to attract investment. Tourism stands out as one of the key pillars upon which we must capitalise to unlock this growth,” he added.
In 2025, Masvingo officially recorded over 50 000 visitors, though authorities believe the actual number is higher due to the province’s strategic position along the North-South Corridor.
“By successfully hosting Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbabwe 2026, we are not simply organising an event but positioning Masvingo as a competitive investment and tourism hub,” he said.
The 2026 Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbabwe Expo will be held at the Gymkhana Site, a new 14-hectare open space located along the Bulawayo Road, approximately 4km from Masvingo’s central business district.
The high-level meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Tongai Mnangagwa and the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Dr George Manyaya.
Addressing stakeholders, Minister Rwodzi said the decision to devolve the expo aligns with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s mantra of “leaving no one and no place behind.”
“The strategic decision to devolve the Tourism Expo is part of achieving Vision 2030 and the economic transformation blueprint under NDS2. We want to ensure that major national tourism events stimulate growth across all provinces,” said Minister Rwodzi.
She described Masvingo as a destination of national pride, anchored by the iconic Great Zimbabwe, the historic birthplace of the nation.
“We must leverage our heritage assets to maintain Zimbabwe’s global standing, including its recognition by Forbes as the World’s Number One Must-Visit Destination in 2025. We also commend the Government of France for supporting infrastructure improvements at Great Zimbabwe Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site,” she said.
Minister Rwodzi further urged tourism operators to regularise their operations ahead of the expo to avoid disappointments.
“The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority is calling upon all operators who have not registered or those with expired licences and certificates to come forward and register their facilities by the 28th of February 2026. This includes accommodation facilities, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, fast food outlets, vehicle hire services, visitor attractions including game parks and more,” she said.
Stakeholders and investors have been urged to cooperate fully to ensure a successful expo and accelerate Masvingo’s journey towards achieving its US$8 billion provincial economy target by 2030.
