BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
This year’s edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani tourism expo will be held virtually next month due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it has emerged.
The three-day extravaganza will run from October 27 to 29 and registration for exhibitors starts on September 15.
Givemore Chidzizi, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority ZTA acting chief executive, said the digital platform to host the exhibition had been improved after it was used for the first-time last year.
“We have seen it prudent to enhance features of the platform so as to remain competitive and to keep abreast with international virtual platforms,” Chidzidzi said.
“Furthermore, the platform has become more user friendly as participants can now schedule meetings using their respective time zones.”
ZTA held last year’s event virtually following the outbreak of Covid-19 paralysed global travel.
The virtual system which was developed by the ZTA to host the expo now includes an ‘on-demand’ meeting requests platform, live HD video conferencing and a virtual auditorium for interactive webinar sessions as well as virtual exhibitor booths, ZTA said.
“The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority recently collaborated with Rida International Travel Solutions to promote destination Zimbabwe to over 400 buyers from Southeast Asia,” Chidzidzi said.
“ZTA has adapted to the new normal in the wake of the pandemic which now defines how to engage with the markets.
“Zimbabwe has remained connected to the market through various platforms and membership in international associations from key source markets such as Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA), African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA) UK, Anerkannte Spezialisten fuer Afrika-Reisen (ASA) Germany.
“Through these partnerships, the destination has continued to receive the much-needed exposure through engagements that have been facilitated by the associations.”
Chidzidzi added: “This year’s edition will see a series of webinars being hosted and will touch on topical issues including the market perspective webinar session where agents from key source markets will share insights on the changing global trends due to the effects of the pandemic.”
Zimbabwe is hinging its tourism industry recovery hopes on a massive Covid-19 vaccination programme to achieve herd immunity.
The government has already vaccinated most Victoria Falls residents and is now targeting border towns.