THE 2024 edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo ended on a high note with 408 exhibitors at the fair.
The exhibition, which was held at ZITF in Bulawayo, ran from September 12 to 14 with some of the exhibitors winning accolades for being the best in their categories.
Speaking during the occasion, Tourism and Hospitality Industry deputy minister Tongai Mnangagwa said the ministry had become the largest contributor to the country’s fiscus since January this year.
The Tourism ministry, according to Mnangagwa, has surpassed the agriculture and mining ministries in contributing to the country’s GDP.
“With these events that we are doing we want to stay on top. The gastronomy programme has brought a lot of traction in business in the tourism sector. [It is] Time to promote destination in Zimbabwe, advance tourism and conservation of our natural resources,” he said.
Mnangagwa paid tribute to local and foreign exhibitors for taking part in this year’s edition.
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“We thank the City of Kings and Queens (Bulawayo) for its warm welcome. As we reflect to the past few days, we are proud of the productive meetings and meaningful connections made.
“We are proud of the opportunities created which will contribute to the growth of our tourism industry,” he said.
Mnangagwa applauded the media in Zimbabwe saying it was the ministry’s first line of defence in portraying a good image of the country.
Meanwhile, some of the exhibitors who were honoured during the event included the South Africa tourism which won the Best International Stand, while the Best Overall Stand was accorded to the Airport company of Zimbabwe.
UMzingwane Rural District Council won the Best Rural Cultural Stand while Matabeleland South got the Best Provincial Stand award.