Masvingo Urged To Convert Tourism Expo Into Investment And Jobs
By Desire Tshuma
Masvingo – Masvingo must turn global attention from this week’s Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo into concrete investment, visitors and jobs, Citizens Against Economic Sanctions interim leader Ellison Muchenje has said.
Muchenje, also known as Cde Samuriwo, said the decision to host the 19th edition of the expo in Masvingo was a recognition of the province’s tourism assets. President Emmerson Mnangagwa officially opened the event, which brought together tourism operators and other stakeholders.
“Truly, we are grateful as CAES for the recognition of Masvingo to host an event of such great magnitude,” Muchenje said. “As Zimbabwe, it is our time to shine and show the world who we are.”
He cautioned that the benefits should extend beyond the duration of the expo. For communities to gain, he said, the visibility must translate into longer tourist stays, new business linkages and employment.
Masvingo’s main draw remains the Great Zimbabwe National Monument. The province also has wildlife areas and sites linked to culture and history that support tourism activity.
CAES Masvingo provincial chairperson Cecilia Mudangaza welcomed the hosting of the expo and encouraged visitors to tour the province’s attractions.
For local operators, the event created a chance to meet investors, tour operators and buyers from international markets. For the country, it provided a platform to present cultural heritage and tourism infrastructure directly to industry players and visitors.
Muchenje said Masvingo should use the moment as a starting point for sustained promotion rather than a one-off showcase. The challenge now is to convert the heightened profile into increased arrivals and spending that reach businesses along the tourism value chain.
