Tourism expo to drive re-engagement process

Nkosilathi Sibanda, Sunday News Correspondent

THE Sanganai/ Hlanganani World Travel Expo, set to start next week in Bulawayo, will seek to focus on strengthening efforts to vigorously market tourism destinations in support of the country’s re-engagement drive with the international community.

Already, the local organising committee has over 250 exhibitors on its list. Of these, there are tourism players from 20 countries that include India, China, Italy, Nigeria, Zambia, South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique.

Most foreign exhibitors are from South Africa, which still remains the country’s top source market. The neighbouring country is sending three of its tourism marketing councils to the expo.

A visit to the Zimbabwe Exhibition Centre, revealed that some exhibitors have started preparing stands for the 12th edition of the annual expo that will run from 12 to 14 September. In an interview, Mr Godfrey Koti, head of corporate affairs at the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) said preparations are on course. 

“We can confirm that preparations are at an advanced stage for this mega event and already we have over 250 exhibitors who have registered. About 20 countries have confirmed their participation. These include India, China, Italy, Nigeria, Zambia, SA, Botswana, Mozambique have confirmed participation.”

Mr Koti encouraged exhibitors, visitors, buyers and investors to use the opportunity to establish strategic business partnerships with world tourism players. Spokesperson of local organising committee Mr Butholezwe Nyathi said the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Travel Expo will showcase the best of what the tourism industry has to offer as the country’s top performing sector.

“One of the elements that we are excited about this year is the visit by three provincial tourism councils from South Africa. Those who know our tourism history will know that South Africa has been a traditional source market for tourists and that tourism is also playing its part in the ongoing re-engagement process. Tourism is also playing its part leveraging on the historical relations we have with South Africa all in an effort to ensure the sector contributes to the broader agenda under Vision 2030. So in essence Bulawayo looks forward to receiving Africa and the world. On our part we are seized with making sure that our preparations are heightened so that people see the best that Zimbabwe has to offer in terms of the tourism product in its multi-faceted nature.”

The ZTA said during the expo, it will also promote the country as a safe destination of choice for MICE tourism. MICE is the marketing tagline for the tourism industry’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions.

“We are promoting Zimbabwe as a MICE destination where people come and converge. We want to use this event to further promote that idea, especially with the fact that this exposition is registered under the United Nations World Tourism Organisation calendar,” added Mr Koti.