Sanganai/Hlanganani 2025 Draws Record Exhibitors

The Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo 2025 officially opened in Mutare this morning, attracting a record 409 exhibitors and drawing heightened expectations from both seasoned players and first-time participants in Zimbabwe’s fast-evolving tourism sector.

Industry stakeholders have described this year’s edition as one of the most comprehensive in recent years, with exhibitors spread across all corners of the travel value chain. The breakdown includes 65 accommodation providers, 79 service providers and suppliers, and 72 rural and urban councils, underscoring the sector’s diversity.

Other notable categories include 40 travel agents and tour operators, 42 parastatals and government institutions, 31 tertiary institutions, and 25 small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs). International representation is also evident, with eight foreign exhibitors joining 11 airlines and 13 car hire and transport operators.

Among the new entrants is Platinum Peaks, a Victoria Falls-based operator that only launched in 2023. Manager Tariro Bigazhi said the expo marks a defining moment for the young company.

Platinum Peaks was established in 2023. We provide accommodation in the form of self-catering apartments at Victoria Falls Estate, with both two- and three-bedroom units,” she explained. “This is our first time at Sanganai, and we are confident the platform will help us market and sell our product. Beyond accommodation, we also arrange activities for clients and handle transfers, from Victoria Falls Airport to town and other local destinations.”

Her sentiments reflect the broader mood of optimism among exhibitors, many of whom see Sanganai not just as a showcase but as a launchpad for deeper engagement with international buyers.

Already, buyers from Japan, China, India, the USA, and the UAE have been touring key tourism sites, including those in Manicaland, ahead of the four-day exhibition. Organisers believe such engagements will help solidify Zimbabwe’s position as a competitive destination on the global tourism map.

The expo, which runs until the weekend, is expected to generate significant networking opportunities, business deals, and fresh exposure for Zimbabwe’s tourism assets, ranging from its iconic natural wonders to emerging community-based attractions