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Isdore Guvamombe Assistant Editor
Today, Zimbabwe’s prime travel and tourism exposition, the Sanganai/Hlanganani roars to life in Bulawayo with more than 300 local and foreign companies exhibiting.
For stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sector, the expo presents the biggest marketing platform for the country’s tourism tapestries; a meeting place for investors and potential investors; an interface with tourist wholesalers and indeed a platform for exchange of ideas.
Botswana has emerged the biggest exhibitor with more than five companies coming for the 12th edition of Sanganai/Hlanganani Travel and Tourism Expo.
In an interview yesterday, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Corporate Communications manager Mr Godfrey Koti said 12 countries, from Europe and Americas, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East have companies participating at the expo being held from tomorrow to Saturday.
“Some 260 exhibitors have registered to participate to date. Then, 170 buyers including 25 international media houses from our different source markets have come. This is our real chance to market what we have.
“To date 10 countries have registered to participate and list includes; Malawi, Botswana, Nigeria, Kenya, India, South Africa, Tanzania, United Kingdom, Angola, China and Ethiopia. Botswana alone, will house over 15 exhibitors,’’ he said.
To maximise interaction between buyers, media and exhibitors, ZTA has developed an online appointment system. Under the system, exhibitors and buyers also meet online to make appointments. Initiated by either the exhibitor or buyer.
ZTA has also introduced speed networking which is one of the most internationally acclaimed modern networking activity where buyers and exhibitors derive their maximum value for attending Sanganai.
Speed dating will be happening from September 12-13, in which exhibitors and buyers have the opportunity to present themselves in short pitches and at the same time seize the opportunity to exchange ideas and start long-term collaborations in only five minutes.
Again, ZTA working in collaboration with the tourism industry to put together the seven pre- and post-Sanganai/Hlanganani tours.
The tours started September 3, and end as late as September 22, way after Sanganai/Hlanganani expo. By last night, exhibitors were putting final touches to their stands.
Online Reporter