6 October 2023
It was a momentous day on Thursday 5 October 2023 in San Sebastián City, Spain when the First Lady of Republic of Zimbabwe, Her Excellency Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa was being recognized by UNWTO Secretary General Zurub Pololikashvili for Championing Gastronomy Tourism in Zimbabwe. The First Lady who is Patron of the country’s tourism ministry has made significant milestones towards taking Gastronomy Tourism to another level in Zimbabwe and the Region.
Our Food is our Culture and Heritage and it defines who the people are about, their Customs and Norms with a huge potential for inviting people to your Country, City, Town or Growth Point. That is Gastronomy Tourism under Culture and Customs Cluster in our Ministry, Our gratitude to Her Excellency, Dr. A. Mnangagwa for showing us the way and taking Zimbabwe amongst all African countries to be the First ever country recognized by UNWTO for Gastronomy Tourism.
On the entourage with the First Lady was Vice Chancellor of University of Zimbabwe, Professor Paul Mapfumo and Students from three other universities in the country to experience and learn about Gastronomy from the best as San Sebastián City is known for Gastronomy Tourism and has the best school for Gastronomy in Spain.
With the Guidance of the First Lady, Zimbabwe hopes to push Gastronomy Tourism to greater heights through Agriculture, Empowerment of Rural Communities and in collaboration with the Universities Innovation and Industrial Hubs for Standardization and Certification of all the raw materials. Mwenezi Industrial Hub for Mapfura Wine and Juice is a good example of the Vision and people are enjoying Mapfura Wine at our stand.
Meanwhile, international buyers have already arrived in Zimbabwe and are already on the pre-familiarisation tour of the country ahead of the eagerly awaited Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, scheduled to roar into life from 12 to 14 October in Bulawayo.
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) spokesperson, Godfrey Koti, speaking from the Robert Mugabe International Airport said that preparations for this year’s edition were well underway, with the exhibitors’ registration deadline fast approaching.
With over 300 exhibitors already registered, the ZTA has confirmed the participation of approximately 31 regional tourism companies from six countries, including Zambia, South Africa, Botswana, Malawi, Burundi, and Rwanda.
“We’re excited to receive the first batch our international buyers today here at the RGM International Airport. We’re looking forward to taking them on the pre and post expo tours. We’re delighted to present this grand three-day showcase, positioning Zimbabwe as an exceptional destination for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and leisure,” stated Koti.
“Through this expo, we strive to showcase the diverse possibilities and opportunities that Zimbabwe offers to individuals and businesses alike,” he added.
The ZTA calls upon tourism stakeholders and service providers to leverage this unique platform. By participating in Sanganai/Hlanganani, businesses can establish connections with international buyers, forge strategic partnerships, and enhance the visibility of their offerings in the global market.