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Liberty Dube in BULAWAYO
THIS year’s edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganai World Tourism Expo, which is one of Africa’s biggest tourism expos, is bigger and better, with the event registering more international exhibitors and participants than previous editions.
The expo which has officially started today has seen 365 companies registering and being expected to participate up from 275 of last year.
International exhibitors have increased from 23 to 34, with participants from South Africa, Mozambique, Rwanda, Malawi, Zambia, Iran and Botswana already at the expo.
The event will also host more than 100 buyers from key source markets.
Media organisations and tour operators as well as other tourists from South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia and Lesotho among others, who are in Zimbabwe for the expo were fascinated by their memorable experience in the Eastern Highlands last week after visiting various scenic areas in Nyanga and Vumba.
Some of the tourists who were in the Eastern Highlands include, Manfred Vachal from Germany, Evans Sikalinda from Zambia, Helen Katusabe from Uganda, Kobamaelo Tiage from Botswana, among others.
The tourists toured mystique areas and tourism facilities such as, Troutberk Inn, Pamusangano Lodge, Rhodes Hotel, Mountain Lake Resort, Lake Alexander Country Resort where they enjoyed canoeing, boat cruising and mountain climbing as well as the adrenaline-rising Mutarazi Zipline and Skywalk.
“I am absolutely thrilled and in love with your country. This tour has completely changed the way I see Zimbabwe. The people are friendly and the places are clean and nice. People have adapted to hardships that they may be encountering which is a positive thing to do. In a few years to come, I see Zimbabwe booming yet again, in all aspects,” said Botswana-based tour operator, Ms Cynthia Mothelesi.
Ms Mothelesi is the director of Happy Soul Adventures tours.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Deputy Minister, Honourable Tongai Mafidi Mnangagwa, after conducting a brief tour of the exhibition stands earlier this week, was upbeat that this year’s expo will surpass the previous edition in terms of quality and excitement.
“Each stand holds its own unique appeal, and the ongoing developments here are quite promising. I anticipate an even more exhilarating experience this year, surpassing the success of the previous edition, as we navigate through effects of the devastating Covid-19 pandemic that wrecked havoc in the industry and expand our tourism industry. Exciting opportunities lie ahead for the tourism sector,” he said.
He added: “We have witnessed a significant increase in exhibitors this year, with over a hundred more compared to the last edition. Moreover, a hundred buyers have already arrived in the country to explore the various tourism destinations.”
The Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo aims to elevate Zimbabwe’s status as a world-class marketing platform and generate significant revenue for the tourism sector.
The Expo will be held at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre and will run until Sunday.
Online Reporter