Sanganai/Hlanganani 2026: Ancient City, Masvingo Confirmed as Host
The “World of Wonders” is officially on the move again. Following the success of last year’s landmark shift from perennial host city, Bulawayo to Mutare in the Eastern Highlands, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has confirmed that the 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo will be held in Masvingo Province from September 9–12, 2026.
This announcement came during a high-level stakeholder briefing in Masvingo, led by Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, and marked the official introduction of the new ZTA CEO, Dr. George Manyaya, who stepped into the role on February 1st.
The Rotational Revolution
For years, the Expo was synonymous with Bulawayo, the City of Kings—and Queens. However, under the leadership of Minister Rwodzi, a new rotational hosting model was designed to ensure that the economic “cream” of Zimbabwe’s tourism industry is spread across all provinces.
- 2025 (The Pilot): The Expo moved to Mutare, spotlighting the adventure and mist of the Eastern Highlands.
- 2026 (The Heritage Edition): The focus now shifts to Masvingo, home to the ancient stone masonry of the Great Zimbabwe National Monument.
New Leadership, New Energy
The meeting served as a “changing of the guard” for the ZTA. Dr. George Manyaya, known for his strategic expertise in rebranding and stakeholder relations, is now at the helm. His mandate is clear: translate this rotational strategy into global arrivals and high-value investment for the provinces. Among those at the meeting were, the Minister of State for Masvingo, Hon. Ezra Chadzamira, who is overseeing the provincial “Devolution” readiness; and the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Hon. Tongai Mnangagwa, reinforcing the government’s “all-hands-on-deck” approach to Vision 2030.
Global Partnerships: The French Connection
A key highlight of the briefing was the ongoing support from the Government of France, which is currently funding significant infrastructure and preservation work at Great Zimbabwe. As the province prepares to host international buyers and media, this partnership ensures the destination is world-class while remaining authentically Zimbabwean.
From the Mountains to the Monuments
At More Cream Than Coffee, we’ve always believed that travel is about more than just the destination—it’s about the heartbeat of a place. By rotating the Expo, the ZTA is forcing the world to look beyond the “Big Three” (Harare, Bulawayo, and Vic Falls). Masvingo, the Ancient City in September offers a stunning backdrop of granite hills and deep history. It’s a chance for the travel trade to experience “The Birthplace of Zimbabwe” firsthand.
MCTC Quick-Take: 2025 gave us the mountains; 2026 gives us the monuments. The rotational model isn’t just a policy—it’s a curated tour of Zimbabwe’s soul.
