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Tafadzwa Zimoyo in Victoria Falls
Eighty buyers and tourists from around the world have said Zimbabwe is a safe country and lovely tourist destination.
They said this during the pre tour of the World Tourism Expo held at the Victoria Falls.
Sanganai- Hlanganani World Tourism Expo begins on September 12-14 in Bulawayo. “This year’s 17th edition will be held at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair with regional and foreign investors from eight countries having registered to take part,” said the organisers.
“The buyers and tourists who are on pre-tour before the expo are expected to visit some of the tourist places in Victoria Falls, Hwange and Bulawayo.” According to the organisers of the pre-expo, the buyers are from countries such as the United Kingdom, China, Japan, France, the United States, Germany, Italy and Switzerland The tours are in groups courtesy of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA). In an interview with Africa Travel Connect director Yared Bizuneh said he is happy to be in Zimbabwe to seek opportunities.
“So far I am liking what I am seeing,” he said. “It is a different story altogether from what we hear people say. I am feeling the experience and happy to take it back home and market Zimbabwe,”
Bizuneh who is based in United Kingdom said that he would be attending the expo.
“I have toured the Victoria Falls and did a game drive. I am told I will be going to Hwange National Park, on Tuesday,” he said. “Zimbabwe is beautiful and I can’t wait to attend the expo. Cho Mi said Zimbabwe is a safe place.
“This is my first time in Africa and have started off with Zimbabwe and I am liking what I am seeing,” she said. “I love animals and I am happy to have experienced the tour especially Simunye Theatre.”
Rainbow Tourism Group, Group Corporate Affairs and Quality manager, Pride Khumbula who is hosting one of the groups, she said they are happy to showcase the best of Zimbabwe to the UK and France buyers during the exclusive familiarization tour.
“We are thrilled to welcome distinguished buyers from the United Kingdom and France for an exclusive familiarisation tour of Zimbabwe’s premier tourism destinations—Victoria Falls and Hwange,” she said.
“We are taking the buyers on a journey through Zimbabwe’s natural wonders, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, to the wildlife-rich expanses of Hwange National Park, this tour provides an authentic taste of Zimbabwe’s most iconic landscapes.”
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She said that this familiarisation tour is set to showcase and educate the buyers on what destination Zimbabwe has to offer. “We engaged with international buyers at various forums including travel and tourism international expos such as International Travel Bureau (ITB) Germany, World Travel Market (UK and Africa) and Onshow Solutions which coordinate the Africa showcase road shows.” “The familiarisation tour
gets the tour operators to physically see, touch, feel, smell, and experience the product. It arms them with the information and knowledge to be able to sell and promote destination Zimbabwe, and RTG with first-hand experience,” said Khumbula. “This is an initiative which will benefit all players in the tourism value chain as the buyers will consume services from various players. We want the buyers to experience the
warmth and hospitality of Zimbabwe through RTG’s exceptional service and world-class facilities.” She said according to (ZTA) Q1, 2024 report tourism arrivals from Europe into Zimbabwe grew by 62 percent thus to 47,064 from 29,010 in 2023. Meanwhile, an official who commented on anonymity said the pre-tour helps to sell and market Zimbabwe well before the expo. Meanwhile, the Sanganai/Hlanganani World
Tourism Expo will run under the theme “Tourism and Peace,” with many activities lined up
Online Reporter