. . . ZTA shifts flagship expo to spread tourism beyond traditional hotspots
By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
Zimbabwe’s flagship Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo is moving to Masvingo this year — a strategic shift aimed at spreading tourism activity beyond traditional hotspots, extending visitor stays, and placing domestic travel at the heart of industry growth.
The announcement came during a media briefing following the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority’s first-ever Annual General Meeting in Harare.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Permanent Secretary Dr Takaruza Munyanyiwa said the relocation is part of broader efforts to improve air access and strengthen coordination between ministries and agencies, easing business operations across the sector.
“If tourism is to grow, it cannot remain concentrated in one place,” said ZTA Chief Executive Dr George Manyaya.
He revealed that the country now offers 27 to 28 long-stay packages, with a clear focus on increasing the average length of visitor stays — a critical metric for tourism revenue.
Officials also underscored the untapped potential of local travellers. Domestic tourism accounts for a far larger share of the market in other countries than it does in Zimbabwe, and Dr Manyaya said ZTA is now prioritising nationwide promotion and improved travel options to lift domestic tourism figures significantly.
The expo calendar has been confirmed: 1 September for setup, 9 September for the official opening, 11 September for special awards, and 12 September set aside as a public day.
Dr Manyaya promised that this year’s Sanganai will be “bigger and better,” with a full programme to be unveiled in due course.
To ease industry pressures, government has slashed registration and licensing fees by half, while ZTA is encouraging operators to offer discounts where possible. Compliance and automation are also being prioritised to improve efficiency and affordability across the sector.
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