Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe [email protected]
ZIMBABWE Tourism Authority (ZTA) authorities say there is growing enthusiasm among Masvingo residents and tourism stakeholders ahead of the hosting of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo next month, with local businesses seeking to capitalise on opportunities expected to arise from the international showcase.
The 19th edition of the country’s premier tourism trade fair will be held from September 9 to 12 at the Gymkhana Events and Conference Centre, bringing international buyers, tourism operators and investors to the province.
The excitement emerged during a stakeholder webinar held on Wednesday under the theme: “Unlocking Opportunities for Growth: Explore key investment prospects driving expansion across the sector.”
A ZTA representative said the enthusiasm had spread beyond tourism operators to the wider community, with residents keen to play a role in ensuring the expo delivers broader economic benefits.
“Everyone is very excited from the general public to tourism players and they wish it could be held over a longer period. This goes to show how excited everyone is.
“There are a lot of people in Masvingo who want to be involved, how their efforts can contribute to the bigger success of the event,” said the ZTA representative.
The heightened interest comes as stakeholders identify accommodation, tourism activities and transport as some of the key areas where Masvingo can attract new investment and strengthen its tourism infrastructure.
“The issue of accommodation, be it a resort or lake-side accommodation, those are part of the opportunities available. The tourism sector in Masvingo is growing, there is a need for those areas to be further developed,” added the ZTA representative.
The expo is expected to provide a platform for local operators to showcase their products, engage international buyers and establish business partnerships, while exposing investors to opportunities within Masvingo’s tourism value chain.
Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo is Zimbabwe’s flagship international tourism trade fair, organised annually by the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.
The expo brings together tourism operators, international buyers and other industry stakeholders from across the globe, providing a platform for Zimbabwe to showcase its tourism products, attract visitors and investment, forge partnerships and open new markets.
