THIS year’s edition of the Sanganai-Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, which kicked off yesterday at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair grounds in Bulawayo, has surpassed its target of exhibitors.
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) chief executive officer Winnie Muchanyuka told journalists on Wednesday that 250 exhibitors were expected, but they exceeded the registrations by 20 exhibitors.
“We had set a target of 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,” Muchanyuka said.
“We are very excited to be here, but more than anything else, we are excited that after two editions that were held virtually, we have a physical exhibition this year.”
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 has seven.
Muchanyuka said all 10 provinces in the country had confirmed that they would be participating at this year’s expo.
She said 100 buyers who registered for the expo were already in the country, and had been part of tours to key tourism destinations.
Exhibitors from countries such as Germany, United Kingdom, United States of America, the Middle East, Australia and India have already arrived for the expo.
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“We are also very grateful and appreciative of the massive support from sponsors that have helped us put this edition together. We have to remember that things have been difficult in the tourism industry after the global COVID-19 pandemic. We have received amazing support which to me is an appreciation of the importance of tourism to our economy.
“One such sponsor is the Airports Company of Zimbabwe with whom we work in tandem; bringing tourists into the country. Air Zimbabwe has been assisting us in our endeavour to make Zimbabwe an attractive tourist destination,’’ she said.
Lined up for the expo are networking sessions for buyers, a breakfast meeting for all exhibitors, a sports tourism symposium, a media tour sponsored by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, a Meet Zim Bidding launch, and a tree-planting ceremony at Insukamini and Hugh Beadle primary schools.
South African musician 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: Djembe Monks, Killer T and Sandra Ndebele, among others.
Muchanyuka added that this year’s edition would be used to celebrate domestic tourism and the return to normalcy after the COVID-19 pandemic.
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