BY BAYANDA NKATHA
Preparations are underway for the 17th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, scheduled to take place in Bulawayo from September 12-14.
The event will be held at the Zimbabwe Exhibition Centre at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, and over 400 foreign and local exhibitors are expected to participate.
On Monday, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) held a meeting with tourism operators in Victoria Falls, where acting ZTA chief executive William Stima encouraged industry players to exhibit at the expo.
“I am excited to announce that we will be hosting the 17th edition of Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo in Bulawayo from September 12-14,” he said.
“We have been hosting this expo for the past 16 years to promote the tourism industry, especially small operators who may not have the capacity to attend international travel shows. We bring buyers to their doorstep.”
Stima emphasized the importance of participation from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe’s tourism capital and a world destination of choice.
“We look forward to seeing more players from Victoria Falls coming to participate in Sanganai/Hlanganani. We encourage all provinces to take ownership and advantage of this mega event to profile tourism products.
We appeal to the tourism industry in Victoria Falls to support this initiative, as it is crucial for you to showcase your products to international buyers for future business.”
The expo has grown steadily, with 310 exhibitors in 2017, 375 last year, and over 400 expected this year. The target for regional and international exhibiting companies is 40, up from 34 last year.
All provinces will be expected to exhibit attractions in their areas to collectively market the country, including hidden gems, as a destination.
Registration is ongoing, although recruitment of buyers has closed.