adminLeonard Ncube Victoria Falls Reporter
EXHIBITORS at this year’s edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo have pledged to market Zimbabwe as a destination of choice in their various marketing platforms. The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) took 38 of the exhibitors, mostly tour operators, around the country’s resort areas in a bid to market local tourism.
Among them are buyers from Uganda, South Africa, Germany, Malawi, Switzerland, Nigeria, France, Zambia, Netherlands, Kenya, Botswana, Malaysia and Nigeria who arrived in the country last week.
On Saturday and yesterday they were in Victoria Falls before moving to Hwange where they will proceed to Bulawayo ahead of the expo that starts on Thursday. ZTA marketing manager for Africa Belinda Mutinhiri said the tour is meant to make the operators familiar with local products.
“This helps buyers appreciate and understand the destination and to sample the product so they can package and sell it to their clients,” she said. “The majority are first time exhibitors. They’re very happy and looking forward to package and sell Zimbabwe on their websites and social media platforms.”
Peter Keifer, representing Reisen of Germany, who was part of the tour, said: “This is my first time in Zimbabwe. I’ve been selling Namibia, South Africa, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania but after this experience I’m definitely adding Zimbabwe to my packages.
“I think I’m impressed by the facilities we visited and activities offered and I’m convinced these will suit my clients.” Another operator from South Africa, Khomotso Kelsall of Makgale Tours said it is her second time to be at Hlanganani/Sanganai.
“This is our second time to be at Sanganai/Hlanganani and we’ve been bringing clients to Victoria Falls. We’ve been to Kariba and we’ll now add it to our package because it’s an amazing place which our clients will love,” she said.
The tour started on Wednesday last week with a visit to Chinhoyi Caves, Kariba, Bumi Hills, Caribbea Bay, Rhino Safari Camp, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Somalisa Camp and Linkwasha. After the expo, the tour will resume at Antelope Park in Gweru before ending in Harare.
Trade day will be Thursday and Friday while Saturday will be a public day at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Halls 3 and 4. According to the ZTA, a total of 163 exhibitors, 28 being foreign, and 128 buyers have confirmed participation, alongside foreign media.
Online Reporter