By Sharon Chimenya
MASVINGO — President Emmerson Mnangagwa officially opened the 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbabwe World Tourism Expo today.
Running from 9 to 12 September, the Expo is being held under the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism” at the Gymkhana Conference Centre, located between Zimre Park and the SIMBI Steel Makers staff houses along the Masvingo–Mashava Highway.
In his address, President Mnangagwa said the devolution and decentralisation agenda aims to ensure that no one and no place is left behind, and the rotation of the World Tourism Expo reflects this commitment.
“Under my administration, the devolution and decentralisation agenda ensures that no one and no place is left behind. Under the leadership of Zanu-PF, no place or area will be left behind, and no area should be despised. Those in Masvingo should not look down on those in Mt Darwin, and those in Mt Darwin should not look down on those in Mat South or Mat Central. We all belong to one country, and we are one people,” he said.
“The rotation of the Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo among our provinces gives practical effect to this unwavering commitment and ensures that tourism opportunities are spread throughout the country. Previously, the expo was held only in Bulawayo, but we realised that was not ideal, so we decided to take it across the country.”
He said the socio-economic benefits arising from tourism investments create empowerment and employment opportunities, while also improving critical infrastructure such as roads, accommodation, and other social services.
“Hosting Sanganai/Hlanganani in Masvingo has transformed the Gymkhana Events and Conference Centre, repositioning it as a modern hub for tourism, business, events, and conferencing. These developments were made possible through collaborative synergies under the whole-of-government and society approach towards shared tourism goals,” he said.
“I urge tourism operators in our country to seize this Expo as a springboard for sustained growth by developing innovative products and experiences. Masvingo Province, in particular, is challenged to strategically engage a wide cross-section of stakeholders to increase investments and develop new tourism products around the Great Zimbabwe Monuments, Lake Mutirikwi, Tugwi Mukosi, Manyuchi Dam, Gonarezhou, and other attractions.”
President Mnangagwa also stressed the importance of reimagining a tourism development corridor that connects key sites, including liberation war heritage sites such as Kamungoma, and conservancies along the Save Valley.
“Partnerships must deepen people-to-people exchanges and strengthen trade to ultimately accelerate regional and continental integration. District by district, you have the obligation to help realise set provincial GDP growth targets by unlocking the competitiveness of Masvingo as a tourism destination of choice,” he said.
He commended the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, the private sector, ministries, departments and agencies, traditional leaders, and the leadership of Masvingo Province for the manner in which they organised the successful Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbabwe Expo.
“The flagship programmes that marked this year’s edition provided an intricate linkage for travel promoters, investors, small to medium enterprises, and visitors towards enhancing the competitiveness of Masvingo Province as a tourism destination. Well done, Masvingo.”
“I say to you, Masvingo Province and your leadership: congratulations. You have set the bar high; the next province will have a challenge exceeding this excellence. This is a beautiful setup,” President Mnangagwa said,
