Beyond Great Zimbabwe: Masvingo Hosts Sanganai World Tourism Expo 2026

By Valerie Mpundu

MASVINGO — The banners are up, the buses are arriving, and for the first time in 18 years, Masvingo is taking center stage as it prepares to host the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo from September 9 to 12, 2026.

For decades, the standard travel itinerary in the province was predictable: visitors arrived, toured the ancient stone structures of Great Zimbabwe, and departed. This week, regional and international delegates are staying to discover the broader ecosystem of the region.

When the expo officially opens at the Masvingo Gymkhana Grounds, the province will showcase a wider portfolio—from Lake Mutirikwi and local wildlife reserves to cultural heritage sites, small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), and investment opportunities.

A popular local saying in the province claims that "Masvingo produces two things—stone monuments and learned people." The region is out to prove both, citing an array of talent spanning university academics, tourism strategists, engineers, and cultural figures like popular musician Baba Harare.

“Masvingo has more than Great Zimbabwe. It has great minds too,” says local educator Mrs. XYZ, who plans to bring her students to the exposition on Public Day.

Four Days to Transform Regional Tourism

The four-day international tourism showcase is structured to balance policy formulation, commercial deal-making, and public participation:

Date	Phase & Focus	Key Activities
Sept 9–10	Conference Sessions	Strategic policy debates featuring government ministers, corporate CEOs, and global travel experts.
Sept 10–11	B2B Networking	Targeted business-to-business meetings linking local craft makers and operators directly with international buyers.
Sept 12	Public Day & Wrap-Up	Open public access for families, students, and local SMEs to experience the exhibition firsthand.

Organizers from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) note that the core objective is to elevate Masvingo’s international tourism profile, catalyze regional infrastructure improvements, and unlock sustainable job creation across low-density rural communities.

Beyond the iconic walls of Great Zimbabwe, Masvingo is stepping up to present its intellectual capital, natural assets, and commercial potential to a global audience.

Sanganai Hlanganani World Tourism Expo Masvingo