Mutare, the scenic capital of Manicaland Province, will become the epicenter of global tourism when the Sanganai Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo takes place from 10 to 12 September 2025 at the Mutare Sports Club.
This year’s edition is expected to attract more than 400 exhibitors from around the world, including airlines, tour operators, hotels, lodges, safari companies, national tourism boards, and allied tourism players. Organised by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), the Expo connects Zimbabwean tourism stakeholders with the global market.
Zimbabwe offers world-class opportunities across diverse tourism sectors, making it a prime destination. Its attractions include Victoria Falls, the Great Zimbabwe ruins, Hwange National Park, Lake Kariba, and—in Manicaland—the Eastern Highlands, Chimanimani Mountains, Nyanga National Park, and the Vumba Botanical Gardens.
The country’s tourism profile has risen internationally, with Zimbabwe named one of the Top Destinations for 2025 in Kayak’s Travel Check-in Report. In 2024, it welcomed over 3 million international visitors, ranking sixth among Africa’s most visited countries.
Hosting the Expo in Manicaland highlights the province’s natural wonders, such as the Vumba Mountains, the rugged Chimanimani ranges, and Mtarazi Falls—the second-highest waterfall in Africa. Other attractions include Nyanga National Park, with Mount Nyangani, Pungwe Gorge, and more than 20 waterfalls and rapids along hiking and eco-tourism trails. The region is a true haven for adventure, nature, and culture.
The Expo will not only showcase Zimbabwe’s natural beauty but also stimulate business through conferences, networking sessions, and awards ceremonies focusing on global tourism trends, investment opportunities, and innovations. A pre-expo media tour will give journalists and visitors a curated experience of Zimbabwe’s tourism gems, amplifying global coverage and boosting the country’s reputation as a must-visit destination.
Government and tourism stakeholders have already inspected the venue and the Grand Reef Aerodrome, where runway and support facility upgrades are underway. Road and rail improvements are also enhancing access to Mutare. Air Zimbabwe will provide special services linking Harare and Mutare during the Sanganai Hlanganani/Kumbanayi Expo, ensuring easy access for visitors.
Investments in aviation and hospitality infrastructure include the new Khami Prestige Lounge at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and upgraded ground-handling equipment at Harare, Victoria Falls, and Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airports, improving both passenger and baggage services.
Zimbabwe has successfully hosted major international events such as the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly and the Ramsar COP15 Wetlands Conference, demonstrating its capacity to deliver world-class gatherings.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi said the Sanganai Hlanganani/Kumbanayi Expo is an opportunity to showcase not only Zimbabwe’s landscapes but also its hospitality.
“Tourism is defined not just by iconic attractions but also by the warmth of the Zimbabwean people, efficient service, and memorable experiences,” she said.
The Minister encouraged businesses to innovate, uphold high standards, and prepare private accommodations for the influx of visitors.
Zimbabwe’s tourism sector is growing steadily. In 2024, it contributed roughly 15% to the national GDP, surpassing mining and agriculture, underscoring its role as a driver of economic development. With ongoing investment and conservation efforts, Zimbabwe is poised to strengthen its position as a premier travel destination in Africa.
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