Nqobile Bhebhe [email protected]
A cross section of international buyers attending the Zimbabwe Export Week Buyers Seminar have pledged to market the country’s tourism attractions in their respective countries after experiencing the wildlife and natural heritage of Matopos National Park.
The buyers, drawn from Mozambique, Poland, Zambia, Eswatini, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the United Kingdom, China, Rwanda and Germany, are in Bulawayo ahead of the seminar scheduled for tomorrow.
Accompanied by officials from ZimTrade and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), the delegates toured Matopos National Park, where they experienced the country’s wildlife, cultural heritage and conservation initiatives.
One of the buyers said the excursion had inspired her to promote Zimbabwe’s tourism attractions to friends and colleagues back home.
“The experience has been stunning. I have convinced myself to market Matobo National Park and other tourism sites to my friends and colleagues back home,” she said.
“I am grateful to Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and ZimTrade for organising this site visit.
“I had not seen rhinos at such close proximity. Hearing that there have been no rhino poaching here in the past five years is really impressive,’ said Jasmine Sathiagnanan from Mozambique.
By 10am, the delegation had sighted a crash of white rhinos, providing the visitors with an opportunity to experience Zimbabwe’s wildlife at close range.
The buyers also visited rock painting sites and the famous World’s View, which offers panoramic views of the Matopos landscape.
The excursion forms part of efforts to showcase Zimbabwe’s tourism attractions to international visitors while strengthening the country’s profile as a destination for business and leisure.
The Zimbabwe Export Week Buyers Seminar is expected to bring together local exporters and international buyers to explore trade opportunities, establish business partnerships and expand Zimbabwe’s export markets.
The engagements are expected to generate export orders, promote local products and unlock opportunities for increased foreign currency earnings.
The tourism excursion also provided an opportunity to expose potential international visitors to the country’s diverse attractions, with Matopos National Park being among Zimbabwe’s notable destinations renowned for its distinctive granite formations, wildlife and cultural heritage.
The buyers are expected to engage local businesses during the seminar as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to grow exports, attract investment and strengthen its presence in regional and international markets.
