By Tadiwa Shunje
MASVINGO– Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Barbra Rwodzi says nearly 140 international buyers have arrived in Masvingo ahead of the 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbabwe World Tourism Expo.
Speaking at a gastronomy and music carnival held at Caravan Park on September 52026, Rwodzi said the buyers arrived aboard three flights.“In the morning at 7:30 we received the 1st flight and just after 10:30 we received another flight, the third flight today.
These flights are loaded with international buyers, that is the beauty of it,” she said.Rwodzi said this year’s buyer numbers have surpassed the Ministry’s target.
“Our international buyers this year have surpassed our target, they are almost 140. Some of them are already taken off to Chiredzi, Zaka, Tugwi-Mukosi,” said Rwodzi.
She said the buyers are in Masvingo to experience the province so they can market it after the expo.
“They are here to explore Masvingo Province so that when they go back after Sanganai they will be selling Masvingo Province, not just Vic Falls as usual,” said Rwodzi.
Rwodzi said the Ministry has divided tourism into 13 sub-clusters in line with Vision 2030.
“We have divided tourism into 13 sub-clusters so that we as people in tourism understand what each area in tourism requires. As we have done this, we align with the President’s Vision 2030 of an upper middle income society.”
The Minister also called for improved accommodation at Caravan Park. “We have spoken to the Minister that we have to increase accommodation here at Caravan Park. There should be a lodge or guest house where people can eat and drink, then sleep there,” she said.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality, Dr Takaruza Munyanyiwa, said the carnival was held to celebrate Masvingo’s hosting of the expo.
“Our objective is to celebrate our hosting of Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbabwe here in Masvingo, which is the 19th edition.”Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon. Ezra Chadzamira, said the province was honored to host the event.
“We are deeply honored by this vibrant edition of Sanganani/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe 2026 gastronomy and music carnival. “Gastronomy is not about food only, but the celebration of our history through our local dishes,” he said.
Performances were done by Andy Muridzo and Diana Samukange and other local artists.
