The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has extended invitations to buyers from established source markets to grace the 16th edition of Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo scheduled for the 12th to the 14 of October.
Sanganai/Hlanganani has largely been hosted in Bulawayo at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair exhibition park since 2015, except a few times it was held virtually because of COVID-19.
The premier tourism expo is important for the tourism sector in Zimbabwe because it has played a significant role in driving arrivals in the past decade, hence the drive to invite as many buyers as possible.
In a statement, ZTA which organises the expo, indicated that it extended invitations to various buyers from the established markets and is eagerly anticipating to host them.
‘’We have extended invitations to a substantial number of buyers from established source markets, including the United States of America, Germany, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, China, North Korea, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and more.
‘’We are eagerly anticipating hosting these esteemed buyers. Our exhibitors are eager to showcase the beauty that our country has to offer,’’ said ZTA.
Countries like China have been known to be the largest contributors of outbound tourists in the world in the past decades. Attracting buyers from China would be a huge game-changer for the tourism sector in Zimbabwe.
ZTA has however, over the years tried to market the country in that market, through opening offices, as well participating in tourism and business fairs.
While, the China and countries from other continents are important due to their spending abilities, Africa has been the shining beacon for tourism in Zimbabwe as evidenced by the 2023 half year results where the continent contributed 91% of the arrivals compared to overseas.
Meanwhile, ZTA has indicated that there are still opportunities available for those that want to exhibit at this year’s Sanganai/Hlanganani.
‘’For those interested in exhibiting at the 16th edition of Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, we are open and willing to accommodate more local players. The response to exhibition uptake has been overwhelmingly positive,’’ said ZTA.
