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The Sanganai/Hlanganani expo comes to the City of Kings with players in the tourism sector from around the continent and world at large set to converge in Bulawayo for an eventful few days of business.
From 16 to 18 June, Bulawayo will be a hive of activity as deals are struck and ideas are exchanged between various stakeholders in the tourism sector.
There have been concerns that the organisers were facing funding challenges that threatened the hosting of the event.
An estimated $1 million is required to support the prestigious tourism event including input from tourism players and other stakeholders in cash and kind.
The annual event, which will be hosted by Zimbabwea��s second largest city after a directive from Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa last year, has been largely funded by the Government since 2008 when it was adopted as a national event.
To date, 163 companies have registered to participate as exhibitors, an increase from last yeara��s edition that had 128 companies. Exhibitors are in various categories such as accommodation, tour operations, airlines, publicity associations, NGOs and Government institutions among others. 28 foreign exhibitors from countries such as Botswana, SA, Uganda, Kenya, India and Indonesia have confirmed their involvement.
One hundred and twenty-eight buyers from the international community have confirmed their participation. These are mainly from Europe, notably UK, Spain and Germany, while others will come from markets in America, China, Asia and Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. The first group of buyers started arriving in the country this week.
With the expo being held in the City of Kings, it is imperative that the citya��s entrepreneurs take advantage of the opportunity to push their own business and grab the chance to shine a light on their own bourgeoning enterprises.
When big international events come to Bulawayo, one gets the feeling that the city is a mere spectator to something spectacular that is happening in their midst. This is perhaps most apparent in the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) where the citya��s involvement only becomes particularly noticeable when the public days come along and the public comes to view the products on offer.
While it is true that such events are international meetings geared towards the world, the host city should always leave its imprint on any event that is held under its auspices.
With that in mind, the objective for Bulawayoa��s entrepreneurs should be to maximise on the opportunity and reap the most rewards from the expo.
In light of this, it might be foolhardy for businesspeople in the city to complain of a lack of opportunities when one is knocking loudly and audibly at their door.
Pessimists had feared that the move to Bulawayo would result in low turnout because of the costs involved with stakeholders such as the Zimbabwe Tourism Council pushing that the expo returns to Harare.
Acting Zimbabwe Tourism Authority CEO Givemore Chidzidzi, however, told our sister paper the Chronicle that the rich historical and cultural heritage of Bulawayo made it a suitable venue where guests would experience its famed hospitality.
The ball is in the City of Kingsa�� court. With its reputation as one of the most welcoming and receptive places in the country established, it now remains to be seen whether Bulawayoa��s businesspeople will come to the party.
Online Reporter