Zimbabwe’s flagship tourism trade showcase wrapped up in Masvingo on Friday with organisers reporting the largest participation since the expo began. The 2026 Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbabwe Tourism Expo attracted 405 exhibitors and 153 international buyers, cementing its status as the country’s premier travel and hospitality marketplace.
The three-day event brought together tourism operators, travel agents, hoteliers and government agencies under one roof. Buyers from key source markets held business-to-business meetings with local suppliers, exploring packages that span Victoria Falls, Hwange, the Eastern Highlands and Great Zimbabwe.
Industry players said the record numbers reflect renewed confidence in Zimbabwe’s tourism sector after years of pandemic-related disruptions. The expo has become a crucial platform for marketing the destination and securing forward bookings for the upcoming peak season.
Officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry highlighted the expo’s role in driving foreign currency earnings and job creation. They noted that the diverse exhibitor base—from safari lodges to community-based tourism enterprises—demonstrated the sector’s resilience and potential for growth.
The Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo, which rotates between cities, has grown steadily since its relaunch, with this year’s edition surpassing previous attendance records. Stakeholders now look to convert the interest into tangible arrivals and investment deals.