By Simbarashe Sithole
MASVINGO has been transformed into a hive of sporting action, tourism and business as athletes from across Zimbabwe descended on the city yesterday for the inaugural September Sports Tourism Carnival.
The four-day spectacle, running from September 1 to 4, has turned the ancient city into a sporting and tourism hub, with tertiary institutions from all 10 provinces battling it out in football, basketball, volleyball, cricket, rugby, netball, pool, tennis, golf and marathon events.
Beyond the competition, the carnival is delivering a major boost to the local tourism economy, with accommodation providers, restaurants, tour operators and other businesses set to benefit from the influx of athletes, officials, supporters and visitors.
The event is also being used to showcase Masvingo’s tourism attractions, particularly the iconic Great Zimbabwe monument, as Zimbabwe builds momentum towards the 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo.
The carnival was officially opened by Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Tongai Mnangagwa, alongside Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira.
Deputy Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture Emily Jesaya was represented at the event by Sports and Recreation Commission director-general Allen Mavhunga.
The sporting extravaganza will be followed by a Street Carnival on September 5, before the main Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo runs from September 9 to 12 at the Gymkhana Events and Conference Centre.
The initiative is expected to strengthen domestic tourism while demonstrating how sport can be used to drive destination visibility, business and economic opportunities.