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 amplified by the inaugural Air Zimbabwe flight from Harare to Mutare, welcomed in grand style 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 signaled a new era of accessibility for the Eastern Highlands.
As part of its strategic drive 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 marketing Zimbabwe as an authentic and multi-dimensional destination, ensuring that the country’s rich cultural, natural, and adventure offerings are effectively communicated to Indian travelers.
The journey began in Nyanga, where the timeless charm of Montclair Resort & Casino set the tone with warm hospitality and breathtaking vistas. At Aberfoyle Lodge, the group experienced a tranquil retreat — with misty mornings, cascading waterfall nearby, and organic meals tailored to Indian palates, all wrapped in a soothing Victorian-era ambiance. In Harare, the delegation enjoyed the contemporary comforts of the Hyatt Regency Harare The Meikles, complete with carefully prepared Indian cuisine that offered a taste of home amidst Zimbabwe’s capital buzz. At Sanganai/Hlanganani Kumbanai 2025, the agents connected with Zimbabwean DMCs, hoteliers, and private sector partners, laying the foundation for new collaborations and tailor-made itineraries for the Indian market.
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 of Global Destinations, shared, “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 also used this initiative to showcase Zimbabwe beyond Victoria Falls, highlighting untapped regions like the Eastern Highlands. Adding to the country’s appeal, Zimbabwe will co-host the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup alongside South Africa and Namibia, with the Ministry instrumental in developing the ICC-accredited Victoria Falls Stadium, strengthening 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—the Ministry aims to highlight Zimbabwe’s unique blend of sport and tourism. This initiative underscores the growing bond between the two countries in sports and tourism, and Zimbabwe’s commitment to welcoming Indian travelers for an unforgettable cricketing and travel experience.
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