GREAT ZIMBABWE AT CENTRE OF HERITAGE TOURISM PUSH AS WORLD TOURISM DAY COMES TO MASVINGO

Masvingo Province will take centre stage this September as Government hosts both the 19th Sanganai Expo and the main World Tourism Day celebrations on 27 September 2026, placing the province’s cultural assets at the heart of national tourism strategy.

Hon. Barbara Rwodsi said the decision reflects a deliberate devolution. “We are taking the tourism narrative beyond traditional centres and bringing it directly to our provinces. Masvingo Province will take centre stage this year as we showcase its extraordinary wealth of history, culture, heritage, wildlife and natural attractions.”

The hosting is particularly significant within Government’s heritage-based tourism development philosophy. Masvingo is home to the Great Zimbabwe Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most important archaeological and cultural heritage sites.

“The Province provides an exceptional platform for showcasing Zimbabwe’s tangible and intangible heritage, promoting authentic cultural experiences and strengthening heritage tourism as a driver of investment and local economic development.

Through Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe, the Ministry will systematically profile Masvingo’s tourism potential for trade, investment and destination development. The Expo will also “showcase Zimbabwe’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage and stimulate investment in tourism infrastructure and products.”

The September programme includes a Gastronomy and Music Festival on 5 September, a Gastronomy Masterclass on 8 September, and the Sanganai Awards Ceremony on 11 September from 1500 – 2200 hrs, all designed to celebrate culture alongside business.

Rwodsi linked the heritage push to national development goals. 

“Through the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), Government is therefore committed to unlocking the immense value of our natural, cultural, historical and heritage assets and positioning tourism as a major contributor to the attainment of Vision 2030.”

The Ministry’s message is clear: “Zimbabwe is open for tourism, open for investment and ready to take its rightful place as a globally competitive, inclusive and sustainable tourism destination.”