Sports tourism on show at Sanganai

Brandon Moyo, Sports Reporter

ZIMBABWE Cricket (ZC), a key player in promoting sports tourism, showcased at the annual Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo which ended in Bulawayo yesterday.

The Expo, drawing both local and international tourism stakeholders, commenced on Thursday and concluded yesterday.

ZC has significantly contributed to sports tourism in Zimbabwe and, in 2020, collaborated with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) under the campaign “Visit Zimbabwe,” a slogan featured on the sleeves of all national team jerseys.

In an interview with the Zimpapers Sports Hub at their stand at the Expo, ZC head of marketing, Tino Mawoyo said they are pleased to be exhibiting at the event as they look to continue their positive contribution to the country’s economy and tourism.

Mawoyo said cricket has been a significant part of sport tourism in the country. “We are glad to be here in Bulawayo for the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo. Our story is a very simple one, Zimbabwe Cricket, over many decades has contributed positively to the Zimbabwean economy through sports tourism.

“Various clubs, and several countries for both men and women’s teams have come through and toured the country. We have contributed positively to the economy and sports tourism,” he said.

Last year, Zimbabwe hosted the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers having previously hosted the 2018 edition.

In 2022, the country also hosted the T20 World Cup Qualifiers and for Mawoyo, that speaks volumes on the capability that Zimbabwe has.

“Over the last few years, we have been a favourite venue for ICC Qualifying events. Those who were able to witness that have seen how capable Zimbabwe Cricket and Zimbabwe are of hosting high profile events and as a result, we have been given the right to host the 2026 Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup as well as the 2027 Men’s World Cup, so we are gearing up for that,” said Mawoyo.

As part of their tourism drive, ZC has begun the construction of a multi-purpose stadium in the resort city of Victoria Falls – which is one of the country’s prime tourism destinations.

The new stadium is expected to be functional by 2026 when Zimbabwe co-hosts the Men’s under-19 Cricket World Cup alongside Namibia.

Mawoyo believes that will drive a lot of traffic to the resort town, a major boost for the tourism industry.

“Zimbabwe has embarked on a brand new stadium in Victoria Falls, that will be the backdrop of the 2026 Men’s Under-19 and 2027 Men’s Cricket World Cups and that will drive massive traffic to the Victoria Falls.

“And, not just the Victoria Falls, but throughout Zimbabwe as well as a massive global audience. So it will bode well for Zimbabwe, the eyeballs will be on our country and as Zimbabwe Cricket, we are very happy to play our part in contributing positively to the country.

“The great thing about the Victoria Falls Stadium is that when it hosts matches, it’s an opportunity for people to be in the resort town and to go and visit wherever else they want to visit there.

Hwange is just down the road, the next match, maybe, in Bulawayo they will be able to drive down to Hwange, spend the night in Hwange and then go through to Bulawayo,” he said.

With Zimbabwe continually hosting international cricket, Mawoyo said all the visiting teams are given the opportunity to get a feel of the country outside the cricket greens.

Teams such as Sri Lanka, the West Indies, and India have embarked on amazing safari adventures whenever they are on tour. More recently, South Africa Emerging also visited Matopos.

Mawoyo added that they always receive positive feedback from the touring nations and some even recommend a visit to Zimbabwe to their friends and families.

“India were here a couple of months ago and they went to some of our resorts. Yes, teams that come through always get an opportunity to go through and see various places in Zimbabwe.

You go back to that 2018 World Cup Qualifier, the West Indies were in Mutare, they went through to Vumba and Nyanga so when all these teams come through we always try and make sure we give them an opportunity to see Zimbabwe outside the cricket field.

“The feedback has been amazing, especially with the Falls. A lot of them didn’t know that it’s one of the natural wonders of the world. The wildlife, especially for most of those countries that come from the European side of the world, they don’t get to experience wildlife where they come from.

“Some of the Asian countries don’t get to experience some of the animals we have in Africa as well so they have an amazing time when they come here. Some of them even go as far as inviting their spouses, family and friends. So, the feedback has been wonderful,” he said.

The former Zimbabwe international cricketer said it’s a wonderful opportunity for the country to be able to host the 2026 Under-19 World Cup, and 2027 Men’s World Cup.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to showcase our country and allow those visiting teams and players to see what Zimbabwe has to offer,” said Mawoyo.