A select group of journalists from across the media spectrum are on a pre-Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo tour of Manicaland’s top tourist attractions, soaking in the province’s breathtaking natural and cultural wealth ahead of the prestigious showcase.
The familiarisation tour gives the press a first-hand experience of the unique destinations and latest developments that will be featured at this year’s expo, which runs from September 10 to 12 at Mutare Sports Club.
It also allows journalists to capture compelling stories and visuals that will ignite public interest in the premier event.
Such tours are crucial for journalists to report more authoritatively.
Experiencing attractions first-hand equips them with deeper insights, nuanced perspectives, and vivid details that go beyond standard press releases, enabling more engaging and credible storytelling that resonates with audiences.
Areas to be visited include Honde Valley (today), Mtarazi Falls and Vumba.
Honde Valley is described as an exceptional birding destination nestled within the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe.
The region boasts a remarkable array of birdlife, including the elusive lesser seedcracker, the vibrant red-throated twinspot, and the beautiful red-winged warbler.
It is also renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and picturesque tea estates.
The combination makes it an ideal getaway for anyone who appreciates the beauty of nature.
Organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), the expo is now in its 18th edition.
It is regarded as Africa’s biggest tourism marketplace, bringing together local and international players to network, forge partnerships and exhibit the best of what the continent has to offer.
The showcase is held under the theme “Devolving Sustainable Tourism Development – Our Future”.
This year’s edition carries added significance as Manicaland hosts the prestigious showcase for the first time, a move that dovetails with Government’s devolution agenda and rotational hosting thrust.
More than a shift in venue, it is a bold signal of intent to position the province as a powerhouse of Zimbabwean tourism.
From the mist-draped Bvumba Highlands and mystical Chimanimani ranges to the majestic Mtarazi Falls — the second highest in Africa — Manicaland is a treasure chest of natural beauty waiting to be unlocked for international buyers, investors and travel industry leaders.
With September recognised globally as Tourism Month, the expo reaffirms Zimbabwe’s commitment to harnessing tourism as a key driver of national development while spotlighting destinations that set the country apart as a must-visit gem in Africa.
