BULAWAYO – The 15th edition of Sanganai-Hlanganani World Tourim Expo opens its doors today to 270 exhibitors surpassing a target of 250 previously set by Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA).
The annual Tourism Trade Fair, takes place at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo from Thursday to 15 October and will be the first in-person meeting since Covid-19 was declared a pandemic on 11 March 2020.
Speaking to local media at a press briefing on Wednesday, ZTA Chief Executive, Winnie Muchanyuka said ZTA had set a target of 250 exhibitors but they managed to surpass that after figures hit 270.
“We had set a target if 250 exhibitors but we are happy to announce that we surpassed this target. As we speak, 270 exhibitors including 30 foreign firms, are participating this year which is more than we initially anticipated,” said Ms Muchanyuka.
“We are very excited at being here but more than anything, we are excited that after two editions of being virtual, this year we have a physical exhibition,” she added.
Six African countries, namely South Africa, Rwanda, Mozambique, Zambia, Botswana and Malawi are exhibiting at this year’s expo. South Africa has the largest number of exhibitors (10). Rwanda has five exhibitors while Zambia has four and Mozambique seven.
“In addition, all ten provinces in the country have confirmed that they will be participating at this year’s expo,” Muchanyuka told journalists.
ZTA said 100 buyers who had registered for the expo are already in the country and have been part of tours to key tourism destinations. Buyers from Germany, the United Kingdom, United States of America, the Middle East, Australia and India have arrived for the expo.
“We are also very grateful and appreciative of the massive support from sponsors that has helped us put this edition together. We have to remember that things have been difficult in the tourism industry after the global Covid pandemic. We have received amazing support which to me is an appreciation of the importance of toursim in our economy,” Muchanyuka continued.
“One such sponsor is the Airports Company of Zimbabwe with whom we work in tandem bringing tourists into the country. Air Zimbabwe have also been assisting us in our endevour to make Zim an attractive tourism destination,” she said.
Events lined for the expo include speed networking sessions for buyers on the gust two days of the expo, a breakfast for all exhibitors and media sponsored by ZIMRA, the Meet in Zim Bidding launch, the Sports Tourism Symposium, a tree planting ceremony at Insukamini Primary School and Hugh Beadle Primary School.
On the second day of the expo, a Tourism Investment Forum will held as well as a Ministerial round table before the Official Opening and Prize Giving in the evening.
South African superstar, Big Zulu and Inkabi Records will be part of the Family Fun Music Festival on the third day which has been designated a family fun day. The show will also feature top local acts like Djembe Monks, Killer T, Sandra Ndebele among other artists.
ZTA is using this edition to celebrate tourism, domestic tourism and the return to normal after the global Covid pandemic Expo will also include a Sports Tourism Symposium.
