By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
MASVINGO — September is set to become a permanent fixture on Zimbabwe’s tourism calendar, with the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon Barbara Rwodzi, announcing that the September Sports Tourism Carnival will now be held annually.
The announcement was made in Masvingo as the Ministry hosted a Golf Tournament at Masvingo Golf Club, bringing together golfers, tourism stakeholders and industry players in a celebration that placed sport at the heart of destination promotion and domestic tourism.
The official tee-off was performed by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Masvingo Province, Hon Ezra Chadzamira, alongside the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon Tongai Mafidi Mnangagwa.
More than a sporting contest, the tournament offered a platform to showcase Masvingo as a tourism destination, demonstrating how sporting events can connect visitors and local communities with the province’s tourism attractions, hospitality and experiences.
Speaking after the tee-off, Deputy Minister Mnangagwa said sports tourism had become an important driver of tourism growth, as sporting events attract not only participants but also supporters and accompanying visitors.
He noted that these visitors generate demand across the wider tourism value chain — from accommodation and restaurants to shopping, transport and other tourism services.
The Sports Tourism activities held in the build-up to the 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo drew thousands of people to Masvingo, providing a practical demonstration of the economic and destination-marketing power of sport.
For Masvingo, the occasion was more than a day on the golf course. It was an opportunity to invite visitors to experience the province, discover its tourism offerings and see first-hand how sport can open new pathways for domestic travel and tourism development.
The day culminated in a Golf Awards ceremony, followed by the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo after-party, where Minister Rwodzi joined exhibitors, international buyers and members of the media for an evening of celebration, networking and entertainment.
As Zimbabwe continues to diversify its tourism experiences, the inaugural September Sports Tourism Carnival has set the pace for a new annual tradition — one where sport, culture, business and travel come together to showcase the country’s destinations and create opportunities across the tourism economy.
September has arrived on Zimbabwe’s tourism calendar — and it is here to stay.
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