Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
INTERNATIONAL buyers attending the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo have pledged to establish concrete partnerships with local tourism operators, describing the country as a competitive destination with unique offerings.
Before the commencement of the Expo, the buyers were taken on a familiarisation tour of the Eastern Highlands where they visited different areas, among them Nyanga, Vumba and Mutarazi Falls.
The programme included hiking, wildlife viewing, birding, and adventure activities such as ziplining and the skywalk – giving the buyers a first-hand experience of products that could be packaged for their clients.
Speaking in interviews on the sidelines of the speed networking session yesterday (Thursday), some of the buyers, said the tour convinced them that Zimbabwe offers more than the traditional safari and Victoria Falls packages.
They said they were impressed by the facilities, products, and destinations showcased, and confirmed that negotiations are already underway to integrate Zimbabwe into their international packages.
Mr Nitesh Agarwal, founder of Wings N Nest in India, said his first visit to Zimbabwe and the Eastern Highlands showed clear opportunities for expanding his company’s packages.
“We do international tours all over the world, and Zimbabwe, particularly the Eastern Highlands has shown us it can compete. The experiences we had in Nyanga, and Mutarazi Falls are marketable, and the friendliness of the people makes it even easier. Our plan is to partner with tour operators from Manicaland so that we can immediately begin selling these destinations to our clients,” he said.
Wings N Nest handles inbound and outbound travel, educational and corporate tours, and international bookings.
Mr Agarwal said his firm’s entry into Zimbabwe will open the market to a large base of Indian travellers. The Eastern Highlands emerged as one of the main highlights at the Expo. With activities ranging from hiking and wildlife viewing to ziplining and skywalk adventures, the province was described as a complementary product to Victoria Falls and traditional safari circuits.
French buyer, Miss Claire Desmaretz, who is the marketing and communications manager for Marco Vasvo Travel Agency, said her company is also moving towards formalising agreements with local operators.
“Our objective here is to secure partners. Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands stand out as a destination we can market. The range of activities from birding to ziplining and waterfalls offers us a complete product. We are certain French tourists will respond well,” she said, adding that her company is already preparing marketing material to promote Zimbabwe as part of its African tour packages.
“This is not a trial run. We are committed to including the Eastern Highlands in what we offer to our clients,” she said.
Chinese buyer, Ms Linda Lu, founder and president of Mallbem Jiahui Expo Company, said her organisation focuses on conference and incentive tourism and will use the Expo to establish new networks.
“The province has potential to host business tourism from China. Our company is ready to collaborate with local operators to bring groups here. The country’s facilities, combined with its natural attractions, make it suitable for MICE tourism,” she said.
She noted that Zimbabwe and China’s diplomatic and trade relations creates favourable conditions for expanding tourism exchanges.
“Partnerships formed here will not end at the Expo. We are building long-term cooperation,” she said.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Honourable Barbara Rwodzi said Government welcomed the commitments made by the buyers and will continue to create an enabling environment for investment.
“Zimbabwe is open for tourism business. Hosting international buyers here ensures that our tourism products are positioned where decisions are made.
“These engagements will translate into increased arrivals and more jobs for our people,” she said.
Minister Rwodzi said Government’s thrust is to ensure that tourism plays a central role in the achievement of Vision 2030.
“We are working tirelessly to support the private sector so that Zimbabwe remains competitive. Tourism is one of the key pillars of our economy, and by 2030, we want it to contribute more significantly to the
GDP and to employment creation. The interest shown by international buyers here is proof that Zimbabwe is regaining its rightful place as a leading destination in Africa,” she said, urging the buyers to play their part in marketing Zimbabwe.
“We want you to go back home and promote Zimbabwe as a destination of choice. Our product is strong, and we are ready to host the world,” she said.
The Expo continues today (Friday) with more business-to-business meetings, and buyers are expected to sign memoranda of understanding with local operators before departing.
