STAKEHOLDERS of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo are facing a torrid task to ensure the festival is a success amid widespread shortages of power, fuel, and bread.
Zimbabwe is set to host Africa’s Premier Business Exchange, the 12th Edition of the Sanganayi Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, at a time workers’ incomes have been eroded by resurgent inflation.
The World Tourism Expo —an annual Tourism Trade Fair organized by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority — runs from 12 to 14 September 2019 at the ZITF Exhibition Center in Bulawayo.
“We just hope relevant authorities will make fuel available for visitors and exhibitors as well as to improve on the electricity situation during the days and beyond,” Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe (Haz) president Innocent Manyera said.
“This is so tourism as a sector cannot make it along without a holistic approach by all other sectors to paint all positive image about country Zimbabwe,” he added.
At least 20 countries have confirmed participation for this year’s edition of Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo while over 250 exhibitors have registered so far.
Manyera added that during the tourism fair there is generally high demand on almost all products in Bulawayo which in part drives prices upwards.
“In our own case we have prices of fuel, gas, electricity among other things adjusted recently due to inflationary pressures. Worse case scenario is that we now rely on more than 50 percent of the day on diesel powered generators which on its own is scarce and expensive compared to electricity,” Manyera said.
The industry has nonetheless bench-marked accommodation rates with those in the region to ensure the industry remains competitive,Manyera said.
The Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe says it remains optimistic this year’s edition of Sanganai Hlanganani World Travel Expo will be a success despite fuel challenges.
“We are hoping that this year’s Sanganai Hlanganani will be a success considering the enthusiasm and resilience of the businesses and service providers,” TBCZ chief executive, Paul Matamisa said.
“However, our only concern at the moment is whether or not there will be enough fuel for businesses to take their merchandise and products to the fair.“
“It is not a question of filling up stands but to be able to do business since this is the biggest tourism market in the country,” Matamisa added.
He said the issue of fuel had an impact on the ease of doing business.
“We have since taken up the issue of fuel with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and we believe they are working flat to ensure that fuel is available before, during and after Sanganai Hlanganani,” he added.
Tourism remains one of the major pillars of the economy following government’s re-engagement, reconstruction and Transitional Stabilisation Programme to ensure that Vision 2030 was attainable.