By Caroline Washaya-Moyo
Masvingo has declared itself open for tourism investment, with Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Honourable Ezra Chadzamira saying the province is positioning tourism as a major engine for economic growth, employment creation and the attainment of Vision 2030.
Speaking at the official opening of the 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo at the Gymkhana Events and Conference Centre in Masvingo yesterday, Minister Chadzamira welcomed President Emmerson Mnangagwa and delegates to the province, describing the event as an important platform for showcasing Zimbabwe’s tourism potential to the world.
The expo is being held against the backdrop of the Great Zimbabwe Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s most important cultural and historical attractions.
Minister Chadzamira said Masvingo was not only hosting the country’s premier tourism showcase, but was using the event to market the province as an investment and tourism destination.
He said the province was targeting the creation of an US$8 billion provincial economy by 2030, with tourism expected to play a central role in achieving that ambition.
«“Our target is to create an US$8 billion provincial economy by 2030. That is our promise and definitely tourism is the engine that will get us there,” he said.»
He said tourism was directly linked to livelihoods, employment, infrastructure development and foreign currency generation, stressing the importance of ensuring that local communities benefit from the sector.
“Tourism speaks to our livelihoods as it is a key economic driver and a massive catalyst for employment, infrastructure development, and foreign currency generation,” Minister Chadzamira said.
He said the province wanted local businesses, including tour operators, craft producers, hospitality establishments and other tourism players, to be fully integrated into the tourism value chain so that money generated by visitors circulates within local communities.
The Minister also highlighted infrastructure development in the province, particularly improved air connectivity, which he said would strengthen Masvingo’s position as a tourism and investment destination.
He celebrated the inaugural landing of Air Zimbabwe in Masvingo, describing the development as more than just a flight, but a symbol of increased connectivity and the opening of the province to the world.
According to Minister Chadzamira, improved connectivity would make it easier for international and domestic tourists to access attractions such as the Great Zimbabwe Monuments, the Lowveld and Gonarezhou National Park, as well as other destinations across the province and the country.
He challenged visitors attending the expo to take time to explore Masvingo and experience its cultural, historical and natural tourism attractions.
“This expo is your invitation. It is an invitation to invest, to explore, and to partner,” he said.
Minister Chadzamira also called on local businesses to use the expo to network, establish partnerships and showcase the best of Zimbabwean hospitality, while assuring international investors that Masvingo was ready for business.
“Let us use the next few days to build bridges, sign deals, and build the world. Zimbabwe is not just a destination. It is an experience waiting to be had,” he said.
The Minister further credited President Mnangagwa’s devolution and decentralisation policy with unlocking economic potential in the province.
He said the policy had contributed to increased investment and infrastructure development, including growth in accommodation capacity.
“Through your leadership, we are proud to announce that room capacity in Masvingo province has grown two-fold to over 1,900 rooms,” Minister Chadzamira said.
He said the increased accommodation capacity would help the province host major events while providing visitors with quality hospitality facilities.
The Minister also highlighted the newly developed Gymkhana Events and Conference Centre, saying the facility demonstrated the Second Republic’s commitment to infrastructure-led economic development and the growth of the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism sector.
Minister Chadzamira called for the renaming of the Gymkhana facility, arguing that the name was colonial in origin.
He proposed that it be renamed in honour of President Mnangagwa, drawing applause from delegates.
Minister Chadzamira also announced the province’s support for Constitutional Amendment Act Number 3, saying it was viewed as necessary for maintaining the country’s development trajectory and accelerating economic transformation.
He said Masvingo was ready to take advantage of its rich heritage, tourism attractions, infrastructure and investment opportunities to contribute to national development.
The Minister concluded by extending an invitation to investors, tourists and tourism stakeholders to explore the opportunities available in the province.
«“I openly declare Masvingo is open for business.”»
The 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo is running from September 9 to 12 in Masvingo under the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.”
The expo brings together local and international tourism operators, investors, buyers, exhibitors and other stakeholders as Zimbabwe seeks to strengthen tourism’s contribution to economic growth and the country’s Vision 2030 agenda.
