Sanganai/ Hlanganani preps hot up

Only five days remain before Sanganai/Hlanganani, which is the only Zimbabwean tourism marketing exposition on the United Nations World Tourism Organisation official calendar, opens in Harare.
Addressing stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industry in Harare yesterday, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive Mr Karikoga Kaseke said the tourism fair was another chance to market the 2013 UNWTO General Assembly.
“This year, 257 stands covering 5 090 square metres, have been occupied compared to only 206 stands last year and 1 200 exhibitors are sharing those stands,” he said.
“This is in comparison with 746 exhibitors who shared the stands last year.
“This translates to a 61 percent increase in participation, if you do your mathematics right.
“Last year we had 24 foreign buyers and this year we have 85 and they are coming from Canada, United States of America, United Arab Emirates, Iran, France, Brazil, United Kingdom, Germany, China, Nigeria, South Africa, Botswana and Zambia, among others.”
ZTA is hosting 68 other foreign buyers and 24 journalists from international media houses as part of its perception management programme. There are also another 200 non-hosted buyers and media practitioners. 
Mr Kaseke said the ZTA had gone for quality international exhibitors and buyers.
“We want to give our local industry quality exposure to business and we have lined up prearranged meetings for stakeholders between 9am and 7pm for the two working days and that should give our industry enough interaction with international buyers,” he said.
“The first two days will be business exchange forums.
“The exposition will close with the launch of Township Tourism in Mbare and Highfield plus a free music gala dubbed Tourism Night at Gwanzura Stadium featuring our big five  musicians and several others.”
Oliver Mtukudzi, Alick Macheso, Charles and Olivia Charamba, Sulumani Chimbetu and Mbira Dzenharira are viewed by ZTA as the big five and would be supported by Winky D, Mbare Chimurenga Choir and Iyasa.
ZTA is also luring a Nigerian rhumba musician affectionately known as “Bill Clinton”.