By Jonathan Mbiriaymveka
MASVINGO — Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe is not just about showcasing tourism products—it is about making deals. The 19th edition of Zimbabwe’s premier tourism trade fair will feature a packed programme of high-level business events designed to position the Expo as a serious platform for investment and business development.
The Expo programme includes a Tourism Investment Conference scheduled for 10 September, designed to present investment opportunities across Zimbabwe’s tourism sector.
A Tourism Authorities CEOs Roundtable on 8 September will bring together industry leaders to discuss strategic issues facing the sector.
The programme also features a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) Masterclass on 8 September, and a Gastronomy Masterclass on the same day, highlighting the growing importance of culinary tourism.
Two days of Speed Networking sessions (10-11 September) will facilitate direct business-to-business engagements between buyers and exhibitors, while B2B buyers sessions provide structured opportunities for commercial partnerships.
The Sanganai Awards Ceremony on 11 September will recognise excellence in the sector, followed by the Sanganai Tourism and Culture Night, celebrating Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage.
A notable addition to this year’s programme is the Tourism Scholastica Conference on 10 September, designed to engage young professionals and students in the tourism sector, building the next generation of industry leaders.
The investment-focused events come as Masvingo positions itself as a destination for tourism investment.
ZTA authorities have reported growing enthusiasm among Masvingo residents and tourism stakeholders ahead of the expo, with local businesses seeking to capitalise on opportunities expected to arise from the international showcase.
Stakeholders have identified accommodation, tourism activities and transport as key areas where Masvingo can attract new investment and strengthen its tourism infrastructure.
“The issue of accommodation, be it a resort or lake-side accommodation, those are part of the opportunities available.
The tourism sector in Masvingo is growing, there is a need for those areas to be further developed,” said a ZTA representative.
Tourism player Mr Dzingai Mutasa said operators should take advantage of the expo to market the province collectively.
“Sanganai gives us a very important platform to showcase what Masvingo has to offer to the international tourism market. We should not look at the expo simply as an event where we put up our stands, but as an opportunity to meet buyers, network with other tourism players and build relationships that can translate into business”.
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