By Nigel Pfunde
Masvingo- The much-anticipated Sanganayi/Hlanganani expo officially kicked off on Saturday with a vibrant Gastronomy and Music Festival held at the newly refurbished Masvingo Caravan Park, powered by the Ministry of Tourism and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA).
The festival marked the beginning of a week-long celebration of Zimbabwean tourism, culture and heritage, setting the stage for the main 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo scheduled for September 9 to 12 at the Gymkhana Events and Conference Centre. The Gymkhana venue has undergone major transformation ahead of the event, with new access roads, restaurants and ablution facilities developed to turn the previously undeveloped area into a modern events facility capable of hosting major conferences and exhibitions long after the expo.
The Street Carnival brought together gastronomy, music and cultural experiences, creating a vibrant celebration of local heritage. Traditional gastronomy took centre stage, with local chefs and culinary experts showcasing indigenous foods that reflect Zimbabwe's rich heritage
Gastromy tourism has been one of First Lady Amai Auxiilia Mnangagwa's stop priority goals not divorcd with a hands on anti drug and substance abuse campaign and setting up rehab facilities which have gained ground and produced tangible results.
The event was designed to offer residents and visitors a complete sensory journey through the province's rich cultural tapestry while extending tourist stays and creating greater opportunities for communities and tourism enterprises.
Hosting the expo in Masvingo is in line with Government's devolution agenda and its heritage-based tourism development philosophy. Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Barbara Rwodzi has described the Masvingo edition as a significant opportunity for tourism operators in the province, with the rotation of the expo giving local businesses access to international buyers and exposure that would otherwise be concentrated in the country's major commercial centres.
"As we devolve Sanganai Tourism Expo, our objective is to bring tourism infrastructure into the cities, particularly the five cities that drive the tourism sector in the country. This year, we are seeing the refurbishment of the Masvingo Airport terminals," said Minister Rwodzi.
The ZTA, under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Dr George Manyaya, continues to push Destination Zimbabwe with renewed vigour. Nearly 400 exhibitors have registered for the expo, with more than 130 international buyers confirmed from markets including Japan, China, India, the United States, United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and South Africa. The number represents a 49.4 percent year-on-year increase in international buyers.
The expo is being positioned as more than a tourism showcase, with the Government aiming to leverage the event to enhance destination marketing, attract international visitors and investment, boost tourist spending, and create opportunities for local communities and businesses. Masvingo is home to the Great Zimbabwe Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's most important archaeological and cultural heritage sites.
"The level of participation demonstrates the growing confidence in Destination Zimbabwe and reinforces Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe's position as a strategic platform for connecting Zimbabwe's tourism industry with global markets," said Minister Rwodzi.
The expo will feature several activities including a Gastronomy Master Class, Tourism Investment Conference and the CEOs' Roundtable, as Zimbabwe continues to position tourism as a key driver of economic transformation in line with Vision 2030.
