Bulawayo will host the 17th Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo from September 12 to 14, 2024, marking the fifth consecutive year the city has held the event.
The expo, a key part of Zimbabwe’s Tourism Month, is expected to be larger and more comprehensive this year, featuring a range of sustainable tourism initiatives and a gastronomy tourism showcase.
It aims to bring global buyers directly to local operators, particularly benefiting those who might not otherwise attend international travel shows.
Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbra Rwodzi, highlighted the robust recovery of Zimbabwe’s tourism sector in a press statement.
“The sector continues to be a vital contributor to Zimbabwe’s economy, accounting for approximately 5.7% of GDP and 3.5% of national employment,” Rwodzi said, noting a 27% increase in international arrivals and a 24% rise in tourism receipts in the first half of the year.
This year’s expo will debut the Tourism Innovation Hubs by the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, designed to support and showcase youth innovations, including fresh organic juices from indigenous fruits.
The event will also introduce a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) Masterclass, aimed at equipping stakeholders with skills to promote MICE tourism. Experts from across Africa will address key issues in MICE tourism development and growth.
“Zimbabwe has dubbed September as Tourism Month to raise awareness on the importance of tourism,” Rwodzi noted.
The month will feature a Tourism Symposium at Lupane State University on September 19 and a Sports Tourism tournament on September 21 in Gokwe Kabuyani Constituency, concluding with the World Tourism Day celebrations on September 27 at Gandavaroyi Gorge in Gokwe Gumunyu Constituency.
The Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo will see participation from eight regional and international countries, including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, Tanzania, Iran, Angola, and Nigeria.
South Africa and Botswana are expected to bring 10 operators each, while Namibia will contribute six. Despite financial constraints, Rwanda and Mozambique will not participate this year.
As of September 2, 2024, 410 companies have registered for the expo, showcasing a diverse range of tourism products and services.
The event will also feature 142 international buyers and five international media outlets. Speed networking sessions on September 12 will facilitate effective connections with potential business partners.
The expo will include three key conferences: the MICE Masterclass on September 11, the Tourism Scholastic Conference on September 12, and the Zimbabwe Investment Forum on September 13. Networking events will include a Buyers and Media Cocktail on September 12 and the Official Opening and Awards Ceremony on September 13.
The expo will conclude with awards recognizing excellence in various categories, from Best Hotel Stand to Best International Stand.
The Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, alongside the month-long celebrations, promises valuable opportunities for learning, networking, and exploring new business prospects. “Let’s come and celebrate together for the good of our nation,” Rwodzi concluded
