Great Zimbabwean Sets the Tone for Masvingo's Tourism in the Diaspora"

Nyasha Bhanire

Bournemouth, UK - Masvingo-born entrepreneur Nyasha Banhire delivered a compelling message about Zimbabwe’s oldest town during a Meet and Greet (HSCPN)  Seminar which was graced by guest of honour Councillor Lesley Dedman the current Chairman of Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) United Kingdom. Speaking to a room filled with diaspora Zimbabweans, local Britons, and civic leaders, Banhire  passionately repositioned Masvingo not just as a historical province, but as a vibrant tourism hub and gateway to Southern Zimbabwe.

The event, partly sponsored by Banhires hospitality brand, BluMarble Lodges which operates in both Harare and Masvingo created an ideal platform to showcase Zimbabwe’s untapped tourism gems. But beyond promoting his business, Banhire used his time on the podium to set the record straight about Masvingo’s image abroad.

“Some sections abroad still assume Masvingo just a rural setup a place often referred to as kumusha,” he said. “But rather Masvingo Province has 7 districts.With City of Masvingo as the Provincial capital of Zimbabwe’s largest province, granted City status in 2002. It is a hub of culture, infrastructure, and strategic importance.”

To the amazement of many in the audience, Banhire detailed Masvingo’s geographic and economic significance. He pointed out that the city is equidistant from Zimbabwe’s major urban centres  Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, and Beitbridge each located roughly 300km away, positioning Masvingo as a natural transit and logistics corridor, truly a gateway from Cape to Cairo.

He also took the opportunity to shine a light on the region’s rich tourism offerings. Among the top attractions he highlighted were the Great Zimbabwe Monuments, Lake Mutirikwi, Tugwi-Mukosi Dam, Gonarezhou National Park, and Kyle Recreational Park. The revelation that Lake Mutirikwi not only supports recreational activities but also powers hydroelectric systems that supply electricity to Masvingo communities drew special interest from the British audience.

"Very few know that our lakes are not just beautiful  they are functional, They generate power, support livelihoods, and hold vast tourism potential,” he added.

Banhire also issued a clarion call to all players in Zimbabwe’s tourism industry, urging them to work collaboratively to market Masvingo as a destination, rather than focusing solely on individual business promotion.