Chronicle Editor
Simba Jemwa, Features Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) is excited at the prospects of this year’s edition of the Sanganai-Hlanganani World Tourism Expo which kicks off today at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo after it managed to surpass its target of exhibitors.
The expo will run until October 15.
Speaking to local media at a press briefing yesterday, ZTA Chief Executive, Ms Winnie Muchanyuka said they had set a target of 250 exhibitors but they managed to surpass that after figures hit 270.
“We had set a target of 250 exhibitors but we’re happy to announce that we surpassed this target. As we speak, 270 exhibitors, including 30 foreign firms, are participating this year, which is more than we initially anticipated,” said Ms Muchanyuka.
“We’re very excited at being here but more than anything, we’re excited that after two editions of being virtual, this year we have a physical exhibition,” she added.
Six African countries, namely South Africa, Rwanda, Mozambique, Zambia, Botswana and Malawi are exhibiting at this year’s expo. South Africa has the largest number of exhibitors (10). Rwanda has five exhibitors while Zambia has four and Mozambique seven.
“In addition, all ten provinces in the country have confirmed that they will be participating at this year’s expo,” Ms Muchanyuka told journalists.
100 buyers who had registered for the expo are already in the country and have been part of tours to key tourism destinations.
Buyers from Germany, the United Kingdom, United States of America, the Middle East, Australia and India have arrived for the expo.
“We’re also very grateful and appreciative of the massive support from sponsors that has helped us put this edition together. We have to remember that things have been difficult in the tourism industry after the global Covid-19 pandemic. We have received amazing support which to me is an appreciation of the importance of tourism in our economy.
“One such sponsor is the Airports Company of Zimbabwe with whom we work in tandem bringing tourists into the country. Air Zimbabwe have also been assisting us in our endeavour to make Zimbabwe an attractive tourism destination,” she said.
Events lined up for the expo include speed networking sessions for buyers on the first two days of the expo, a breakfast for all exhibitors and media sponsored by Zimra, the Meet in Zimbabwe launch as well as a tree planting ceremony at Insukamini Primary School and Hugh Beadle Primary School.
On the second day of the expo, a Tourism Investment Forum will be held as well as a Ministerial round table before the Official Opening and Prize Giving in the evening.
Big Zulu and Inkabi will be part of a music festival on the third day which has been designated a family fun day. The show will also feature top local acts like Djembe Monks and Killer T among other artists.
ZTA is using this edition to celebrate tourism, domestic tourism and the return to normal after the global Covid-19 pandemic.
The expo will also include a Sports Tourism Symposium. –@RealSimbaJemwa
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