By Fanuel Chinowaita
Mutare – July 29, 2025 – The Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi, has officially launched the build-up to the 18th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo in Mutare, which will run from September 7, 2025, under the local theme “Kumbanai.”
Addressing business leaders and government officials at Mutare Club popularly known as Queens Hall yesterday, Minister Rwodzi said the event, previously held exclusively in Victoria Falls for the past 17 years, is being devolved in line with the Second Republic’s decentralization policy, with Manicaland being the first province to host the expo.
“For the last 17 years we have been going to Bulawayo . Now we have devolved, and we are starting with Manicaland, which is our second Victoria Falls,” she said. “We are happy to be in Manicaland; we are here to bring joy. We want to promote tourism and improve tourism infrastructure in this beautiful province.”
This year’s expo will be hosted at Mutare Sports Club and Mutare Polytechnic College, with renovations already underway.
“I urge people in Mutare to become registered members of the Mutare Sports Club to support this initiative,” said Rwodzi.
She also announced that Grand Reef Aerodrome is being refurbished to accommodate domestic flights between Mutare and Harare, with plans to introduce a 50-seater aircraft on the route.
In addition, the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) is refurbishing 10 passenger coaches to reintroduce train services during the expo and beyond. The revamped train is expected to cut travel time between Harare and Mutare from 12 hours to 6 hours.
“We want the passenger train back because it is cheaper and safer than road transport,” she said.
Rwodzi emphasized that tourism is about “people, food, and accommodation” and urged the local hospitality sector to scale up preparations to host thousands of visitors.
“We are expecting around 4,000 delegates, and Manicaland must be ready. Every person is good in tourism, even mahwindi—we call them Tourist Ambassadors. They will be wearing vests labeled ‘Tourist Ambassador’ to assist visitors,” she added.
She also confirmed ongoing efforts to refurbish Hot Springs, describing it as “a sacred place in Manicaland that many people travel from afar to experience.”
Rwodzi praised the province’s vast tourism potential, highlighting scenic areas like Nyanga, Chimanimani, and the misty Eastern Highlands, featured in the national anthem.
Speaking at the same event, Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Misheck Mugadza welcomed the historic opportunity for the province to host the national tourism expo.
“Welcome to Mutare, the Diamond City of Manicaland,” said Mugadza. “This is a landmark achievement. The 18th Sanganai Expo gives us a chance to showcase Manicaland’s unique tourism assets. While Victoria Falls is majestic, the Eastern Highlands are mystical.”
He confirmed that road works, car parks, and other infrastructure upgrades are ongoing to support the expo.
“We’re allowing vendors to participate. You must offer products more attractive than what is sold in supermarkets to draw tourist attention,” said Mugadza. “Artists are also encouraged to come and perform.”
Other officials present included Deputy Minister of Hospitality and Tourism Tongai Mnangagwa, Chief Director in the Ministry of Tourism Mrs. Musonza, acting CEO of Zimbabwe Tourism Authority William Sitima, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism Dr. Manyanyiwa and Central Committee member Esau Fungai Mupfumi.
The event, renamed Kumbanai for Manicaland, is expected to rotate to other provinces in future editions. “Next year, we will go to Masvingo, and they will give us their own name for the expo,” Rwodzi concluded.
