Thousands gathered this week near the ancient walls of Great Zimbabwe in Masvingo, the historic monument from which Zimbabwe derives its name, as the country’s tourism industry charted a bold course anchored on heritage, innovation, investment and inclusive growth.

President Emmerson D. Mnangagwa officially opened the 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe World Tourism Expo, which brought together players from the tourism, business, investment, sports, gastronomy and cultural sectors.

Describing the Great Zimbabwe Monuments as a national treasure, President Mnangagwa said the site remains a source of inspiration for Zimbabwe’s continued development, modernisation and industrialisation.

He challenged the tourism industry to translate this heritage into contemporary experiences while embracing the expo theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.” The President said technology and AI could help increase destination visibility, improve visitor experiences, manage tourist flows, forecast demand, reduce overcrowding and strengthen environmental monitoring, while preserving Zimbabwean and African cultural values.

President Mnangagwa also called for greater support for the Nhaka Yedu–Ilifa Lethu Domestic Tourism Campaign, encouraging Zimbabweans at home and in the diaspora to travel and experience their own country.

He further linked tourism development to the Government’s Devolution and Decentralisation Agenda, noting that rotating the Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe Expo among provinces is spreading investment, infrastructure, employment and tourism opportunities across Zimbabwe.