MASVINGO — Sports tourism has emerged as a primary engine for domestic and international tourism growth in Zimbabwe, with the government committing to expand sports infrastructure across all provinces to unlock the sector’s full economic potential.

​Speaking at the Masvingo Golf Club as he teed off during the Sanganai World Tourism Expo Golf Tournament, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Tongai Mnangagwa, highlighted the pivotal role sporting events play in boosting local economies and driving regional visitor traffic.

​Reflecting on the week-long tournament that brought together tertiary institutions alongside national teams, Deputy Minister Mnangagwa emphasized that sports tourism creates demand that extends far beyond athletic competition.

​”When it comes to sports tourism, it is actually one of the top drivers of domestic tourism, and even international tourism,” Mnangagwa stated. “We spent a whole week before Sanganai started here in Masvingo, where we conducted a big tournament festival. People came in their thousands—looking for accommodation, food, and places to shop. All that helps the economy turn.”

​He pointed out that sports tourism carries a distinct multiplier effect, attracting not only competing teams but also thousands of supporters who travel alongside them. The influx of visitors created high demand for local hotels, transport operators, restaurants, and retail businesses throughout Masvingo Province.

​Highlighting major national infrastructure initiatives, Mnangagwa pointed to the newly constructed international cricket stadium in Victoria Falls as an example of sports infrastructure driving global travel. Built ahead of upcoming junior and senior Cricket World Cup matches, the venue is set to draw international visitors and spectators from as far as India and the United States.

​To distribute these economic benefits across all regions, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry is collaborating with the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture to upgrade and construct sports facilities across the country.

​”More and more facilities need to be put up across the country to stimulate sports tourism and domestic tourism—where people can go to Marondera for volleyball, Bulawayo for other sports, or Zvishavane for tennis,” Mnangagwa noted.

​As part of the Sanganai celebrations at the Masvingo Golf Club, Deputy Minister Mnangagwa—representing Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon. Barbara Rwodzi—officially opened the golf tournament.

​Joined on the fairway by event sponsors including Mr Kondongwe from Byword Motors, Mnangagwa thanked corporate partners for supporting the tournament. Before taking his ceremonial opening drive on the tee box, he lightheartedly acknowledged he was taking up the sport and welcomed guidance from seasoned golfers, reiterating the government’s commitment to leveraging diverse sporting disciplines to promote destination Zimbabwe.