ZIMBABWE Tourism Authority (ZTA) has embarked on training programs for exhibitors and stakeholders ahead of this year’s Sanganai/Hlanganani World Travel Expo which is slated for the 12th to the 14th of September at the ZITF grounds.
The trainings are meant to equip and impart knowledge on exhibiting, marketing and trading at travel and tourism show in order to achieve the best returns.
The first training was conducted on Friday 16th August in Bulawayo while the second one is scheduled for the 27th in Harare.
Speaking on the sidelines of the training in Bulawayo ZTA chief operating officer Givemore Chidzidzi said both experienced and non-experienced exhibitors should attend as this would help them to benefit greatly from Sanganai/Hlanganani.
“These training sessions seek to equip and prepare our exhibitors with relevant exhibition marketing skills. The delegates were taken through pre, during and post-exhibition strategies.
“We would like to urge tourism players to take advantage of such initiatives, be it they are experienced exhibitors, or it is their first time in this exciting world of exhibitions.
“We want our exhibitors to benefit from these marketing platforms, such as Sanganai/Hlanganani – World Tourism Expo,” he said.
According to ZTA, research has proven that trained and experienced exhibitors have managed to make the most out of their interface with buyers during and after the event adding that the positive outcome increases the return on trade and travel show investments.
The Sanganai Exhibitor Training will focus on several areas which include but not limited to exhibiting goals and products, manning an exhibition booth and housekeeping details.
This year’s Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo is expected to attract an increased exhibitor interest owing to positive developments that have been taking place in the sector.
Currently, there are about 250 exhibitors who have registered their participation at this year’s Sanganai/ Hlanganani and more are expected to book as we draw nearer to the event dates.
According to the country’s tourism authority, exhibition registration is closing on the 29th of August and that all first-time exhibitors and women in tourism members are enjoying a 50% discount on exhibition rates.