Masvingo tourism expo highlights hotel shortages and growth

The 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe World Tourism Expo in Masvingo has drawn nearly 140 international buyers from countries including Russia, Bangladesh, Australia, and Pakistan. The influx of visitors has highlighted a significant shortage of local accommodation, prompting Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi to call for increased investment in hotels, lodges, and hospitality facilities.

To stimulate year-round demand and diversify tourism beyond traditional destinations like Victoria Falls, the government plans to establish an annual September sports tourism carnival in Masvingo. This event, which recently concluded its inaugural run featuring 11 sporting codes, aims to blend sports with entertainment and gastronomy to encourage consistent travel throughout the year.

Minister Rwodzi noted that the government is working to align tourism development with the national Vision 2030 goal of achieving an upper-middle-income society by dividing the sector into 13 sub-clusters. Additionally, officials emphasized that hosting major events in provincial areas can drive local spending on transport, food, and informal trading while supporting regional travel corridors.