ZIMBABWETourism Authority (ZTA) acting chief executive Rita Likukuma says the country is going to take advantage of its participation at the Meetings Africa to exhibit and highlight what the country has in offer for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibition (MICE) business.
Meetings Africa which is currently Africa’s leading business tourism fair will take place from the 25th to the 27thof February in Sandton, Johannesburg South Africa.
The convention brings together tourism associations, conference organisers, meeting planners, convention bureaus, exhibition organisers and buyers from across Africa and the world.
In a statement, Likukuma said Meetings Africa provides the perfect platform to market what Zimbabwe has to offer in terms of business tourism products and services.
“We want to showcase all our services and brands on offer to senior decision makers, buyers and influencers. We look forward to meeting regional and international professionals from the meetings, events and business travel industry.
“As a nation we value the contribution of MICE tourism and we have committed significant funds towards the promotion of Zimbabwe as A MICE destination.
“Meetings Africa is a must attend show for all players serious about bidding and hosting meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions in Zimbabwe. MICE tourism development requires active engagement and participation by all tourism players,” she said.
As a way of exhibiting its commitment to MICE Tourism, ZTA established the National Conventions Bureau (NCB) which is currently headed by Tessa Chikaponya making it the second country in Africa after South Africa to establish such before Rwanda followed suit.
The NCB is expected among other things to promote and develop Zimbabwe as a MICE destination through facilitating destination presence at source markets.
Despite boosting of a good environment and systems for MICE business, Zimbabwe has been lacking in terms of venues to hold different functions that fall under the MICE business.
Currently, the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, Harare Exhibition Park, Harare International Conference Centre (Rainbow Towers Hotel), The Great Enclosure (Kingdom Hotel), Sango Conference Centre (Cresta Lodge) are the only facilities that can host bigger crowds.
It is however expected among the various investors who have shown interest in the country’s sector will construct convention centres and conferencing facilities especially in such areas as Victoria Falls and the Eastern Highlands.
