adminLiberty Dube
THE Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, which recently unveiled this year’s events and festivals calendar by holding a street carnival party in Masvingo last Friday, has intensified preparations for larger tourism events to be held throughout the year across the country.
The authority, working in unison with the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry and Zanu PF youths, held the glittering street carnival in Masvingo city to raise awareness about President Mugabe’s birthday bash which was held last Friday at the Great Zimbabwe Monuments.
In an interview, ZTA head of festivals, events and exhibition National Conventions Bureau, Mrs Anna Moyo encouraged buyers and exhibitors interested in participating in this year’s Sanganani/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo to he held in Bulawayo to register and be part of the country’s biggest annual tourism trade fair.
The 9th edition of the expo will be held from June 18 to 20. It will be held for the first time in the city of kings at ZITF grounds while the Harare International Carnival will be held in September. Asambeni Africa Travel and Tourism Expo will be held in Bulawayo from April 24 to 30.
Sanganani/Hlanganani is the successor of Shanyai/Vakatshani, the Zimbabwe International Travel Expo (ZITE) that was held annually in Harare.
The past eight editions of the expo attracted major world tourism markets such as India, Italy, China, Zambia among others.
“We kick started this year’s tourism calendar with a very successful street carnival held in Masvingo before President Mugabe’s 92nd birthday bash. Carnivals and other tourism events like these can only be done in a peaceful country and President Mugabe has managed to maintain peace and make Zimbabwe a peaceful tourism destination.
“It was a successful party which saw more than 23 groups, among them ZCC Mutendi Brass band, students from various schools and colleges and traditional dancers performing.
“We started off on a high note and we are now preparing for forthcoming events like Asambeni and Sanganani/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo to be held in Bulawayo,” she said.
Mrs Moyo said they relocated the expo to Bulawayo in line with ZTA’s theme to spread events throughout the country and showcase tourism products in all regions.
“We would like to urge buyers and exhibitors to register and be part of this year’s potentially explosive event. We always have strategies to improve the expo and make it a better edition every year. Buyers and exhibitors in Manicaland who wish to participate in this year’s edition should register online or visit our offices in Mutare,” added Mrs Moyo.
Online Reporter