ZTA geared to deliver expanded 2026 Sanganai/Hlanganani  Expo,  Push Compliance Drive

Business Reporter

 Zimbabwe’s tourism authorities have outlined plans for a larger 2026 Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo while reaffirming efforts to boost domestic tourism and improve compliance across the sector.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority’s (ZTA) first Annual General Meeting in Harare, Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Hospitality Industry Dr Takaruza Munyanyiwa and ZTA Chief Executive Officer Dr George Manyaya said the tourism trade fair will be held in Masvingo from 9 to 12 September.

The event, Zimbabwe’s flagship tourism expo, will take place at the Masvingo Gymkhana Grounds near the Great Zimbabwe monuments. Organisers expect more than 400 exhibitors and international buyers from key tourism markets.

Munyanyiwa said the expo is intended to generate business opportunities and increase tourism bookings rather than serve solely as a marketing platform. He added that government is also working to improve infrastructure in host provinces and promote longer visitor stays through extended travel packages and improved air access.

Officials also highlighted domestic tourism as a priority. Munyanyiwa said domestic travel accounts for about 40% of tourism activity in Zimbabwe, compared with around 70% in more mature tourism markets. He said increasing local travel is key to building a more resilient sector.

Manyaya said ZTA’s ongoing compliance campaign has led to a significant increase in registered tourism operators. The authority registered about 664 operators in the first quarter, surpassing its target of 339.

The campaign includes inspections and enforcement measures targeting unregistered lodges, restaurants and other tourism facilities.He said compliance efforts would continue throughout the year rather than being conducted through periodic blitzes.

He also outlined plans to improve data collection through automated systems that would provide real-time information on tourism activity and transactions across the country.

Addressing concerns from smaller operators, officials noted that registration and licensing fees had been reduced by 50% to encourage compliance.

Manyaya said fines issued to some operators were linked to service quality issues identified through visitor surveys, including poor cleanliness standards, unauthorised alterations to properties and failure to submit required operational statistics.

The authority is also expanding training programmes for operators and continuing inspections to improve service standards.

On tourism demand, Manyaya said ZTA aims to encourage year-round travel rather than relying on seasonal peaks. He cited Cabinet’s approval of a joint government-industry marketing committee intended to support tourism promotion throughout the year.

The briefing highlighted three key priorities for the sector: expanding the country’s flagship tourism expo, increasing domestic tourism participation and strengthening compliance among tourism operators.