VICTORIA FALLS, Aug 26 (NewsDay Live) - More than 300 companies and six other countries have confirmed their participation at the highly anticipated 18th Edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani Tourism Expo scheduled for the eastern border town of Mutare next month.
The expo attracted 408 companies in last year’s edition, while it is also expected to maintain a strong participation, especially with the addition of international players.
Countries that have already confirmed participation include Ghana, Indonesia, Botswana, South Africa, Namibia and Malawi, demonstrating the regional and international appeal of the event.
According to the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), 319 companies have already registered to participate in the expo this year, edging closer to the target of 450 exhibitors.
Addressing journalists in Harare recently, ZTA acting chief executive William Stima expressed optimism that this year’s edition would surpass expectations.
He said the venue for the expo was under construction and the hospitality sector in Manicaland province is gearing up to host delegates.
“Preparations for Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanai 2025 are progressing well,” Stima said.
“The local hospitality industry is fully prepared to capitalise on this prestigious event.”
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Meanwhile, the Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) has described the expo as one of the premier events on the tourism calendar, ranking it alongside global exhibitions such as ITB Berlin, Durban Indaba, WTM Cape Town and WTM London.
HAZ vice-president Emmah Kativu highlighted the significance of the expo as a platform to showcase Zimbabwe’s unique tourism assets, from wildlife and culture to heritage and gastronomy.
“It is one of the key platforms to showcase who we are as a nation. We encourage all our members to attend and participate,” she said.
Beyond the main exhibition, this year’s programme has been enriched with value-added side events designed to expand opportunities for participants.
These include the Tourism Investment Forum, which will bring together investors, government officials, and private sector players to discuss opportunities in the tourism value chain, and the Tourism Scholastica Conference, which will provide a platform for academics, researchers, and students to engage with industry leaders.
Over the years, the Sanganai Expo has evolved into a key driver of Zimbabwe’s tourism promotion strategy, positioning the country as a destination of choice in Africa and beyond.
By attracting both local and international exhibitors, it continues to facilitate business-to-business networking, destination marketing, and investment opportunities.
As Mutare prepares to host this year’s edition, the annual tourism showcase is expected to generate economic spin-offs for the province, boosting hotel occupancy, transport services and small businesses.
More importantly, it will reaffirm Zimbabwe’s reputation as a vibrant, welcoming, and competitive destination on the global tourism stage.
