Masvingo has been transformed into a hub of sporting and tourism activity following the launch of the September Sports Tourism Carnival yesterday.
The carnival, running from September 1 to 4, 2026, was officially opened yesterday by Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Tongai Mnangagwa, alongside Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira and Deputy Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture Emily Jesaya, who was represented by Sports and Recreation Commission Director General Allen Mavhunga.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister Mnangagwa said the carnival was part of Government’s broader strategy to integrate sport and tourism while showcasing Zimbabwe’s destinations to visitors.
“This September Sports Tourism Carnival is not just about competition, it is about bringing together sport, tourism, culture and communities in a manner that creates opportunities for our people and showcases what Zimbabwe has to offer,”Mnangagwa said.
He said the influx of athletes, officials and supporters from across the country presented an opportunity for Masvingo to benefit economically from increased visitor activity.
“When athletes and their supporters travel to Masvingo, they require accommodation, transport, food and other services.
This means that sport becomes a vehicle for tourism and economic activity, particularly for small businesses and communities that provide these services,” he added.
The Deputy Minister said the event would also help expose young people to Zimbabwe’s tourism attractions while promoting domestic travel.
“We want our young people to discover Zimbabwe through these sporting activities. As they come from the ten provinces, they are not only coming to compete, but they are also getting an opportunity to experience the attractions, culture and hospitality of Masvingo,” Mnangagwa said.
He said the carnival was strategically positioned ahead of the Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo, which remains an important platform for promoting Zimbabwe as a tourism destination.
“As we move towards the 19th edition of Sanganai/Hlanganani, events such as this demonstrate that tourism is not confined to traditional activities.
Sport is a powerful tourism product, and we must continue developing and packaging it to attract both domestic and international visitors,” he said.
Tertiary institutions from all ten provinces are participating in football, basketball, volleyball, cricket, rugby, netball, pool, tennis, golf and marathon competitions.
The carnival is expected to generate significant interaction among students, athletes, tourism operators and local communities while providing a platform to promote Masvingo’s tourism potential.
Government has increasingly identified sports tourism as an avenue for diversifying Zimbabwe’s tourism products, increasing domestic tourism and creating economic opportunities through major sporting events.
