All Aboard for Elegance: Luxury Train and World-Class Expo Set to Elevate Mutare’s Tourism Profile

Get ready for an unparalleled celebration of Zimbabwean tourism as the vibrant city of Mutare prepares to host the prestigious Hlanganani Sanganai Tourism Expo. This annual event, a cornerstone of the nation’s travel industry, is transforming the Eastern Highlands into the country’s premier destination for local and international tourism stakeholders next week.

Adding a remarkable layer of glamour and convenience to this year’s festivities is the grand reintroduction of luxury rail travel. In a move that beautifully complements the expo’s theme of accessible and premium tourism, the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has announced a special luxury service to run between Harare and Mutare for the duration of the event.

Dubbed the “Expo Express,” this stunning service promises to turn the journey into a destination itself. For an accessible price of just US$60 per trip, travellers can trade the hustle of the road for the serene, graceful pace of a bygone era, reimagined for the modern explorer. The service is a direct response to easing transport challenges for attendees and offers a unique, eco-friendly travel experience with breathtaking views of the Eastern Highlands landscape.

The NRZ’s confidence in this venture is well-founded. A successful trial run was conducted on the Chegutu to Harare line earlier this week, ensuring all systems are poised for a smooth and luxurious operation. The trial demonstrated the readiness of both the rolling stock and the infrastructure, setting the stage for a memorable inaugural journey.

What to Expect at the Expo:

The Hlanganani Sanganai Expo itself is the main event, a dynamic marketplace where Africa meets the world. Held in the picturesque setting of Mutare, with the iconic Vumba Mountains as a backdrop, the expo will feature:

• An International Showcase: Exhibitors from across the globe, including national tourism boards, international airlines, and hotel chains, will be present to network and forge new partnerships.

• Local Gems Discovered: Experience the best of Zimbabwe under one roof—from safari operators in Hwange and Mana Pools to the artisans of Great Zimbabwe and the hospitality experts from Victoria Falls.

• Business-to-Business Engagements: The expo is the prime venue for tour operators, travel agents, and hospitality professionals to conduct meetings, negotiate contracts, and package the future of Zimbabwean travel.

• Cultural Extravaganza: Prepare for a sensory feast of traditional dance, music, and culinary delights, offering a true taste of Zimbabwe’s rich heritage.

Your Invitation to Ride the Rails:

The combination of a world-class tourism expo and the launch of a luxury train service presents an unmissable opportunity. Whether you are an industry professional seeking new opportunities or a discerning traveller with a taste for adventure and comfort, the journey to Mutare has never been more inviting.

So, mark your calendars, book your ticket, and prepare to embark on a journey where business meets pleasure, and travel returns to its most elegant form. The Hlanganani Sanganai Expo in Mutare, and the luxury train that gets you there, are ready to welcome you.