Sanganai/Hlanganani Tourism Expo 2026
Zimbabwe’s tourism spotlight is shifting south as preparations intensify for the 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, an event expected to inject fresh investment, improve infrastructure and elevate Masvingo’s profile as one of the country’s leading travel destinations.
Scheduled for 9-12 September 2026, the expo will bring together tourism operators, international buyers, investors, government officials and hospitality businesses from across the world.
Organisers say the event is already attracting strong interest, with hundreds of exhibitors registered months before the opening day.
Unlike previous editions hosted in larger cities, this year’s expo forms part of the Government’s devolution strategy, which seeks to spread economic opportunities across Zimbabwe’s provinces while showcasing destinations beyond the country’s traditional tourism hubs.
The move places Masvingo at the centre of Zimbabwe’s tourism growth ambitions and presents a rare opportunity for the province to market itself to international travel trade representatives and investors.
Tourism Expo leaves a lasting legacy
While the expo itself will last four days, authorities say its impact is expected to be felt long after delegates have returned home.
Major infrastructure upgrades are underway across the city, including improvements to Masvingo Airport, road rehabilitation projects and enhancements to facilities that will host delegates and exhibitors.
At the heart of the preparations is the redevelopment of the Gymkhana Tourism Park, which is nearing completion.
The facility is being transformed into a multi-purpose tourism and events hub featuring a restaurant, bar, gastronomy centre, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority offices and a mini-stadium. Plans are also in place for a conference centre that could strengthen Masvingo’s appeal as a destination for meetings and business events.
The investment reflects a growing recognition that tourism infrastructure can play a critical role in attracting visitors and stimulating local economic activity.
Great Zimbabwe provides a world-class backdrop
One of the biggest advantages for Masvingo is its proximity to Great Zimbabwe, the country’s most famous heritage attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The ancient stone city attracts visitors from around the world and remains one of Africa’s most significant archaeological landmarks.
Organisers have incorporated the site into the programme, with the Great Zimbabwe Visitor Centre set to host the official welcome cocktail.
The event will give international tourism buyers and media representatives an opportunity to experience one of Zimbabwe’s most iconic destinations while engaging directly with local tourism businesses.
For many delegates, it will be their first visit to Masvingo, creating valuable exposure for tourism operators offering accommodation, tours, cultural experiences and adventure activities in the province.
Growing confidence in Zimbabwe tourism
The Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo comes at a time when Zimbabwe continues to pursue international tourism growth through destination marketing campaigns and participation in global tourism fairs.
Organisers say current registrations include 270 exhibitors, with participation expected to rise to approximately 450 exhibitors before the event opens.
The expo has already attracted 129 international buyers and 44 local buyers, underlining continued confidence in Zimbabwe as a tourism destination.
Particular attention has been drawn to the participation of Australia, which will be represented at the expo for the first time following recent tourism promotion campaigns conducted by Zimbabwean tourism authorities.
Officials also highlighted increased interest from the Indian market after tourism products showcased at previous expos helped raise awareness of destinations in the Eastern Highlands.
The developments are being viewed as evidence that the expo continues to deliver tangible results for Zimbabwe’s tourism industry by connecting local operators with new international markets.
Opportunity for investors
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi said the expo presents a platform to unlock investment opportunities across Masvingo Province.
Industry stakeholders believe the province remains underdeveloped in several tourism sectors despite its strong heritage appeal.
Potential opportunities exist in luxury accommodation, boutique hotels, conference facilities, restaurants, eco-lodges and tourism support services.
Masvingo’s location along the regional Cape-to-Cairo corridor is also viewed as a strategic advantage that could attract regional investment and strengthen cross-border tourism flows.
As Zimbabwe continues implementing its Vision 2030 development agenda, tourism is increasingly being positioned as a sector capable of generating employment, foreign currency earnings and community-based economic opportunities.
More than a tourism event
Beyond the exhibition halls and business meetings, Sanganai/Hlanganani has evolved into a national tourism celebration.
Activities leading up to the main expo will include a Sports Tourism Carnival from 1-4 September and a Street Carnival on 5 September, creating opportunities for local communities to participate in the festivities.
The events are expected to boost business for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, informal traders and tourism service providers throughout the city.
For Masvingo residents, the expo represents more than an international tourism gathering. It is an opportunity to showcase the province’s culture, hospitality and heritage to the world.
For Zimbabwe, it is another chance to demonstrate the country’s tourism potential while ensuring the benefits of growth extend beyond traditional tourism centres.
As final preparations continue, expectations are building that Sanganai/Hlanganani Tourism Expo 2026 could become one of the most impactful editions of the expo in recent years, helping position Masvingo as a major player in Zimbabwe’s tourism future.
Andrew Moyo is a veteran entertainment journalist with over a decade of experience. He has worked for some of the biggest publications in Zimbabwe including The Sunday Mail.
