By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Mutare, Zimbabwe — At the official opening of the 18th Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo at Mutare Sports Club today, President Hon. Emmerson D. Mnangagwa commended the decision to host the long-running expo outside Bulawayo for the first time.
He described the move as visionary, enabling first-hand tourism experiences across Zimbabwe and empowering local communities to showcase their unique attractions.
“This initiative embodies our commitment to leaving no place—and no one—behind,” President Mnangagwa declared.
“Through this platform, Zimbabwe is creating opportunities for all citizens to participate and diversify our tourism offering.
”He emphasized that the tourism expo continues to be a cornerstone of the country’s tourism growth, serving as Zimbabwe’s premier showcase to the world.
“The Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo is vital for our tourism sector’s international resonance,” he said, citing Zimbabwe’s rising status among the continent’s travel destinations.
Indeed, recent data reveal that Zimbabwe was ranked the sixth most visited tourist destination in Africa in 2024, drawing approximately 3 million visitors.
This places it behind regional giants like Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia, but ahead of many other nations.
QAdditionally, as of early 2025, tourism arrival statistics for the first quarter of 2024 show a dramatic 83% increase compared to the same period in 2023, with 409,979 foreign visitors contributing to a 22% rise in tourism revenue.
In a bold remark illustrating Zimbabwe’s openness and commitment to ethical tourism, President Mnangagwa declared, “Zimbabwe caters for all types of tourism—except criminals.”
He went on to highlight how tourism spurs investment, infrastructure development, and job creation across the nation.
Indeed, multiple sectors have benefited: in Manicaland, the expo’s relocation has catalyzed infrastructure upgrades—such as enhancements to Mutare Sports Club—as well as improvements to air and rail connectivity.
These, the President noted, are emblematic of broader tourism-led development nationwide.