HARARE, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe's premier international tourism exhibition, the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo, opened on Wednesday in the city of Mutare, Manicaland Province, aiming to showcase the southern African country's tourist attractions and forge business partnerships.
The expo is an annual tourism exhibition hosted by the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry in partnership with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, and it runs under the theme of "Devolving Sustainable Tourism Development -- Our Future" this year.
Officially opening the expo, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa said, "This tourism expo is where culture meets commerce, nature meets innovation, and where Zimbabwe positions itself as a premier tourism destination."
He said tourism in Zimbabwe fosters local enterprise development, empowers communities, and promotes conservation efforts.
Through initiatives such as rural tourism, community-based tourism, and ecotourism, Zimbabwe is creating pathways for sustainable economic inclusion by ensuring that local communities benefit directly from tourist spending, while preserving cultural and natural heritage, said Mnangagwa.
"By diversifying our tourism offerings, we are ensuring that Zimbabwe caters to all types of tourists from leisure seekers and business delegates, to wellness tourists and adventure enthusiasts, among others," he added.
Tourism is a vital component of Zimbabwe's economy, serving as a key source of foreign exchange and employment. The country boasts a variety of attractions, including Victoria Falls, one of the world's natural wonders.
