Confidence As 38 Buyers Jet In For World Tourism Expo

There are only seven days left for the 15th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo to roar into life.

Zimbabweans who have missed attending the fair physically for the past two years are in high spirits and eager to meet and mingle with investors that are trickling into the country.

Such is the exciting atmosphere surrounding this year’s exhibition where a lot will be at stake and huge positives are expected for the country’s tourism sector to take-off again.

So far 38 buyers have arrived in the country and more are expected in the coming days, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has confirmed.

According to the authority, the buyers landed in Zimbabwe through Victoria Falls and Robert Gabriel Mugabe International airports.

Running from October 13 to 15, under the theme, “Thinking Investment – Explore Zimbabwe Tourism Opportunities”, the expo has signs of a huge leap surrounding it.

Buyers who jetted in have begun to explore Zimbabwe’s tourism opportunities through pre-tours of the country’s prime resort towns organised by the ZTA.

Over 100 buyers from across the world will attend the expo at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo.

ZTA Head Corporate Affairs Godfrey Koti was ecstatic over the positive response from buyers after the two year hiatus largely caused by the Covid-19 pandemic which appears to have been tamed.

“We’re very delighted to announce that we have had a very positive response from the international community, particularly the critical source markets that we deal with. We shall be having about 100 quality buyers,” he said.

“With the pandemic it has been a tough time for tourism but we are excited that the sector is on the rebound on the back of strategies being implemented by the various sector players,” Koti said.

“As per tradition, buyers have started their tours to the country’s resorts to scan around potential business opportunities.

Tours have begun to Nyanga, Vumba, Mutare, Hwange, Kariba, Chiredzi and Bulawayo.”

According to the authority, at least 250 exhibitors from regional and international markets have registered to be part of the premier business exchange platform.  

So far exhibitors from South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and DRC have confirmed attendance. 

Buyers from Zimbabwe’s traditional source markets that include the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, China and Dubai are expected to attend. 

The ZTA is optimistic that this year’s fair will help reposition destination Zimbabwe into a world class marketing platform that will also in turn, give the country the requisite receipts for the tourism sector. Nhau/Indaba