MUTARE, 11 September 2025 — The usually serene Mutare Sports Club burst into life this past week as it played host to the just-ended Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, a premier showcase of Zimbabwe’s tourism potential, officially opened by His Excellency, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.
The high-profile event, which ran for three days, attracted hundreds of local and international exhibitors, tour operators, buyers, investors, and media practitioners, transforming Manicaland’s provincial capital into the epicentre of tourism business and cultural exchange.
Addressing delegates during the official opening ceremony on Friday, President Mnangagwa commended the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) and the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry for successfully organising the expo, which he described as a key platform for marketing Zimbabwe as a must-visit destination.“Tourism is a vital pillar of our economy, contributing significantly to job creation, foreign currency earnings, and community development.
Sanganai/Hlanganani provides an opportunity to showcase the beauty, diversity and warmth of our nation to the world,” said President Mnangagwa.The Head of State urged stakeholders in the tourism sector to leverage on the country’s vast natural and cultural heritage, and to embrace innovation, digital marketing, and sustainable practices in order to boost arrivals and revenue.
He further reiterated Government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for investment and growth in the tourism industry under the Second Republic.
The 2025 edition of the expo saw exhibitors from across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia engaging in business-to-business meetings, exhibitions, cultural performances, and destination tours across Manicaland’s scenic sites such as Vumba, Chimanimani and Nyanga. Local entrepreneurs, small tourism operators and community-based projects also had the opportunity to showcase their products and network with global players.
Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Honourable Misheck Mugadza, hailed the decision to host the event in Mutare, saying it had boosted local hospitality and transport sectors, while giving the province a chance to shine on the international stage.
This has been a huge economic and reputational boost for Manicaland. Hotels, lodges and restaurants have been fully booked, and local businesses have benefitted from the influx of visitors,” said Minister Mugadza.ZTA Chief Executive Officer Ms Winnie Muchanyuka said this year’s expo recorded a remarkable increase in the number of buyers and exhibitors compared to previous years, reflecting growing confidence in Zimbabwe’s tourism industry.
The Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo is Zimbabwe’s flagship tourism trade fair, bringing together leading tourism players from around the globe. It is expected that the business deals and networks established during this year’s edition will significantly contribute towards the country’s goal of achieving a \$5 billion tourism economy by 2025.
As the curtains came down on Friday, delegates praised the scenic setting of Mutare and the warm hospitality of the people of Manicaland, with many pledging to return and explore more of Zimbabwe’s rich tourism offerings.
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