The hosting of the Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo in Masvingo is generating business for local food and beverage operators, with about 25 licensed catering companies providing services to visitors and exhibitors attending the tourism showcase.
The increased demand for food has created opportunities for local hospitality businesses such as Blue Marble Lodges and Resorts, which has identified gastronomy as one of its key tourism products.
At its catering point on the expo grounds, Blue Marble has been serving scrumptious rabbit meat, peanut butter rice, road runner chicken and an array of other traditional dishes, delivered under the friendly service of its staff.
Blue Marble chief executive officer Nyasha Banhire said the influx of visitors and international buyers was creating a positive ripple effect across the local economy, with tourists also spending money at shops and supermarkets in Masvingo.
“Business has been amazing since Sanganai came to Masvingo, with an impressive turnout at our lodge and resort. Gastronomy is our main product, and we are pleased to serve visitors while showcasing Zimbabwean food. International buyers are also exploring the town and purchasing local products, particularly organic foods. This is good for local businesses because tourism spending goes beyond hotels and lodges, benefiting food suppliers, supermarkets, shops and other businesses in the community,” Banhire said.
The participation of the licensed catering companies has also strengthened the food component of the tourism expo, giving visitors an opportunity to sample different Zimbabwean dishes while creating a ready market for local food producers and suppliers.
The increased movement of international tourists and buyers has further benefited businesses outside the expo venue, as visitors have been visiting Masvingo town shops and supermarkets to purchase food, beverages and other locally produced goods.
Local organic products have reportedly attracted particular interest from international visitors, highlighting the potential of Zimbabwean agriculture and food production to complement the country’s tourism offering.
The development comes as Zimbabwe seeks to position gastronomy as an important component of the tourism value chain, using traditional and locally produced foods to tell the country’s cultural story while creating income opportunities for communities.
For local hospitality operators, the expo is therefore providing more than a platform to market accommodation and tourism services. It is creating direct links between tourism and other sectors, including agriculture, food processing, retail and catering.
The increased demand is also giving local food businesses an opportunity to establish relationships with tourism operators and international buyers who may become future customers or partners.
Banhire said Masvingo had significant potential to benefit from tourism spending, urging visitors to look beyond the expo venue and explore the wider province.
“Masvingo is a great town and there is a lot to see and explore. We encourage people to visit, experience our attractions and support local businesses,” he said.
