Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe is positioning its tourism sector as a key driver of economic transformation, investment and community development as it prepares to host the 2026 Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo in Masvingo from September 9 to 12.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Barbara Rwodzi said the ninth edition of the country’s premier tourism trade platform, to be held at the Chimanimani Events and Conference Centre, would place greater emphasis on opening markets for local businesses while showcasing Masvingo’s rich cultural and heritage assets.
Speaking at a press briefing in Harare on Wednesday, Minister Rwodzi said the Government was determined to harness tourism to advance the country’s Vision 2030 development aspirations.
“Tourism is a powerful instrument for economic transformation, investment mobilization, employment creation, community empowerment and infrastructure development,” she said.
She said the Government wanted tourism growth to benefit communities across the country rather than remain concentrated in traditional tourism centres.
“It must also strengthen local communities and generate value throughout the economy. Tourism must become a stronger engine for inclusive growth, ensuring that no one and no place is left behind,” Rwodzi said.
The choice of Masvingo as host city is significant, given its rich heritage, particularly the Great Zimbabwe National Monument, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most important archaeological and cultural sites.
Rwodzi said the expo would provide an opportunity to profile Masvingo’s tourism potential, attract investment and increase the participation of local communities and enterprises in the tourism value chain.
The expo has so far attracted 118 international buyers, who are expected to engage local tourism businesses, forge partnerships and explore investment opportunities.
Government also expects increased visitor numbers to stimulate demand for accommodation, transport, food and other services, creating additional business and employment opportunities.
The 2026 edition will also mark a stronger integration of sports tourism into Zimbabwe’s tourism promotion strategy.
“The tourism expo marks a new chapter as we integrate sports tourism into our broader tourism promotion strategy. It recognizes the growing linkages between tourism and sport, providing opportunities to use sporting events to stimulate domestic travel, attract visitors, increase destination visibility and diversify Zimbabwe’s tourism offering,” Rwodzi said.
The initiative follows the September Sports Tourism Carnival, which opened in Masvingo on September 1 and features disciplines including football, netball, volleyball, basketball and golf, culminating in sports tourism awards.
Meanwhile, the expo is leaving an infrastructure legacy in Masvingo, with Government undertaking improvements to the airport, roads linking the airport and expo venue, as well as facilities at the Chimanimani Conference Centre.
Rwodzi said the upgrades would improve accessibility and strengthen Masvingo’s capacity to host future tourism, business and investment events.
The expo will also form part of Zimbabwe’s observance of World Tourism Month, which runs throughout September and culminates in World Tourism Day on September 27 under the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redefine Tourism.”
Rwodzi said the theme provided an opportunity for Zimbabwe to embrace technology while promoting its diverse destinations and strengthening the contribution of tourism to inclusive economic development.
New Ziana
