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Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Cricket (ZC) board chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani and Bulawayo football giants Highlanders are expected to be part of the first ever sports tourism conference at this year’s edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo which gets underway at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre today.
Dubbed the “Africa Sports Legacy Conference”, it is aimed at unpacking the “Business of Sports Tourism for the socio-economic development of Zimbabwe” and is being held in partnership with UK-based sports organisation, Africa Sports Legacy (ASL).
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) and the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee have already partnered with the ASL as they bid to promote sports tourism in this country going forward.
ASL founder and world athletics elite coach, Stanley “Fresh” Madiri will deliver a keynote address as sports tourism discourse continues to grow in scope.
ZTA head of corporate affairs Godfrey Koti said they were excited to be undertaking the unique programme.
“We have invited the Zimbabwe Cricket board which is led by Mukuhlani for this programme. We also expect to have Highlanders who are the beacon of sport in Bulawayo. This will allow us to position Zimbabwe as a must visit destination for both local and international tourists,” said Koti.
Among ASL’s international partners taking part in the conference are New York-based, ATA, whose main business is to drive international tourism onto the African continent.
ATA was a key player in the support and activation of NBA Africa.
Among the expected delegates are thought leaders, decision makers, proven practitioners, and entrepreneurs within the Sport and Tourism ecosystems both in the private and public sector.
Sport tourism is a fairly new concept in Africa but is fast becoming a sought after socio-economic activity as people travel to watch various sporting disciplines around the world.
Sports events that have boosted tourism globally include the football World Cup, Olympics and other international competitions.
Having noted the potential of sports in the promotion of tourism, ZTA has been researching on how best it can sell the idea to all sport codes. —
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