Zimbabwe took a bold stride during the 18th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo, as the event was hosted for the very first time in Mutare, Manicaland Province, after 17 years in Bulawayo. The historic milestone was further amplified by the inaugural Air Zimbabwe flight from Harare to Mutare, warmly received at Grand Reef Aerodrome by Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Felix Mhona, Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Hon. Tongai Mnangagwa, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, alongside senior officials from Air Zimbabwe and the Airports Company of Zimbabwe. This landmark flight signalled a new era of accessibility to the Eastern Highlands.
As part of its strategic initiative to captivate the Indian market, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe in India, invited nine leading Indian travel buyers for an immersive journey from the Eastern Highlands to Victoria Falls. The Embassy continues to play a pivotal role in positioning Zimbabwe as an authentic and multi-dimensional destination, ensuring that the country’s rich cultural, natural, and adventure offerings are effectively communicated to Indian travellers.
At the expo itself, the Indian travel trade delegation connected with Zimbabwean DMCs, hoteliers, and private sector partners, laying the foundation for new collaborations and tailor-made itineraries for the Indian market.
Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, remarked: “Hosting Sanganai/Hlanganani in Mutare was a bold statement — that every province matters in our vision for tourism. The Indian travel trade’s participation was a powerful bridge, opening doors for Zimbabwe’s hidden treasures to one of the world’s most dynamic outbound markets.”
Pranav Kapadia, Founder & Director, Global Destinations, added: “Working closely with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and their Tourism Attaché in India has been truly rewarding. Through curated destination training sessions, we are ensuring that detailed knowledge about Zimbabwe reaches even the deeper, high-potential pockets of India. Experiencing Zimbabwe firsthand was inspiring — the warm hospitality, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural experiences will enable Indian travel agents to craft uniquely immersive itineraries for their clients.”
The Ministry used this initiative to highlight Zimbabwe beyond the iconic Victoria Falls, placing the spotlight on untapped regions like the Eastern Highlands. Adding to its growing appeal, Zimbabwe will co-host the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup alongside South Africa and Namibia. The Ministry is instrumental in developing the ICC-accredited Victoria Falls Stadium, further elevating Zimbabwe’s profile as a destination for leisure, sports, and adventure tourism.
By inviting Indian fans to witness world-class cricket at the Victoria Falls Stadium while exploring the country’s diverse attractions—from the iconic Falls to the tranquil Eastern Highlands—Zimbabwe aims to underscore its unique blend of sport and tourism. This initiative reflects the strengthening bond between the two countries in both sectors and Zimbabwe’s commitment to welcoming Indian travellers for an unforgettable cricketing and travel experience.