Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe
THREE strategic tourism engagements are scheduled for today in Masvingo as part of preparations for the 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo.
A cross-section of industry players is expected to explore new business opportunities, strengthen market linkages and position the country for increased tourism receipts.
The engagements, scheduled a day before the official opening of the tourism showcase tomorrow, comprise a Gastronomy Masterclass, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) Events Planners Masterclass and Tourism Boards CEOs Roundtable.
The three programmes are designed to complement the main exhibition by bringing together key players to exchange ideas, identify business opportunities and sharpen Zimbabwe’s tourism offering.
The engagements come as the country seeks to grow tourism beyond traditional leisure travel by leveraging gastronomy, business events and stronger regional and international partnerships.
The gastronomy sector has increasingly become an important component of destination marketing, with food and culinary experiences providing tourists with opportunities to connect with local culture while creating markets for farmers, food processors, restaurants and other small businesses.
The MICE masterclass comes against the backdrop of the Government’s drive to position Zimbabwe as a competitive destination for conferences, exhibitions, corporate meetings and incentive travel.
The sector has the potential to generate higher visitor spending through accommodation, transport, venues, hospitality and other related services.
The CEOs’ roundtable is expected to provide a platform for tourism authorities to discuss destination development, source markets, regional cooperation and strategies to increase tourist arrivals and receipts.
This year’s Sanganai expo has attracted more than 100 international buyers as the country seeks to convert its vast tourism assets into greater economic value.
The expo has also placed emphasis on diverse tourism products, including sport, gastronomy, music, heritage and MICE tourism.
