PREPARATIONS for the 15th edition of Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo, set for October 13 to 15, 2022, are at an advanced stage amid indications that the event has drawn significant interest from international buyers.
During a media briefing this week Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) chief executive officer, Winnie Muchanyuka called on Bulawayo’s tourism players to utilise the event to be held at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair grounds to showcase their products.
“We are looking forward to an exciting expo that will bring the city alive in a tourism way. We are calling on the industry players here in Bulawayo to come and exhibit, this is the opportunity that we have to showcase what the city has as a whole, it would really be amiss if we have more visitors coming from outside Bulawayo and we have less from the city itself,’’ Muchanyuka said.
The expo, which seeks to promote business and increase Bulawayo and the nation’s gross domestic product, is expecting to attract exhibitors from countries such as the United States, Germany, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Australia and India.
Numbers of local visitors are also expected to be on the high.
“Pre and post-tours have been put together, key destinations will include Matobo, Hwange, Mana Pools, Victoria Falls. Eastern Highlands and Masvingo,” she said.
ZTA spokesperson Godfrey Koti said the tourism sector suffered the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic with the 2020 quantified loss around US$1 billion in terms of financial receipts.
Total loss during the 2020-21 pandemic peak period is estimated at about US$1,3 billion in terms of expected revenue.
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