By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
MASVINGO — When the 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo opens its doors next month, it will do more than showcase Zimbabwe’s tourism offerings to the world.
It will unveil a transformed city, one that is positioning itself as a serious player in the lucrative Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism sector.
At the heart of this transformation is the Gymkhana Events and Conference Centre, the main venue for the Expo, where preparatory work is now about 80 percent complete.
The facility, which has been developed specifically to host major tourism and business events, is set to include a restaurant, bar, gastronomy hub, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) offices and a mini-stadium.
A conference centre is planned as a future development after Sanganai, further expanding the park’s capacity to host major events in Masvingo.
A Strategic Vision
The development is part of a deliberate strategy to use the rotating Sanganai model to spread tourism investment and infrastructure development beyond traditional host cities.
The decision to devolve the expo aligns with Vision 2030 and the economic transformation thrust under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
“This year, we are seeing the refurbishment of the Masvingo Airport terminals, the same way that we did with Mutare,” said Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi, who has led several inspections of the venue and other key facilities.
“We believe soon everything will be in place to host this important expo”.
Beyond the Conference Centre
The transformation extends beyond the Gymkhana Events Centre. Masvingo Airport is being refurbished and expanded to accommodate the expected increase in visitors, while road improvements and upgrades to the Expo site are strengthening connectivity and leaving infrastructure capable of supporting tourism long after the event.
The venue inspection, which included Minister Rwodzi, Deputy Minister Tongai Mnangagwa, Permanent Secretary Dr Takaruza Munyanyiwa, ZTA Chief Executive Officer Dr George Manyaya and other stakeholders, also identified opportunities to sustain tourism development after the event.
A New Era for MICE Tourism
The Gymkhana Events and Conference Centre is poised to become a hub for MICE tourism, attracting business travellers, conferences, and exhibitions long after the Sanganai Expo ends.
Minister Rwodzi has emphasised Masvingo’s strategic position along the regional Cape-to-Cairo corridor and the opportunity to unlock investment in five-star accommodation, conference facilities, restaurants, lodges, and other tourism products.
For Masvingo Province, hosting Sanganai is being viewed as an opportunity to attract investment and stimulate local businesses.
“We are ready to host this important international event, and we believe it is going to leave a lasting impact on the province,” said Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira.
With 270 exhibitors already registered and 129 international and 44 local buyers confirmed, the Expo is expected to provide a platform for local operators to showcase their products, engage international buyers, and establish business partnerships.
The true measure of success will be measured not by attendance, but by the contracts signed, investments made, and businesses grown as a result .
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