Story by Tichaona Kurewa
THE Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) is on a drive to boost participation by tourism players from Victoria Falls at the upcoming 17th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo set for next month in Bulawayo.
The authority is encouraging local operators to host international buyers in the resort town.
ZTA’s acting chief executive, Mr William Stima said, “We look forward to seeing more players from Victoria Falls coming to participate at Sanganai. We look forward to elaborate displays from all exhibitors that are in line with international standards. We are appealing to the tourism industry in Victoria Falls to support this initiative on hosting of international buyers as it is important for you to sample your products for future business with them.”
The Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe’s chairperson, Ms Barbra Hughes highlighted benefits that come with exhibitions.
“We want to encourage people to take advantage of this Expo, most of the time we cannot go out to Durban for the Indaba, we can’t go out to Cape Town for WTM. This expo has been brought home and it will also showcase to our fellow domestic tourists that this is what we are offering. I want to encourage everyone to put something together, where you cannot afford to team up and share a stand.”
International buyers registered so far for the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo are from Europe with the bulk coming from Germany and the United Kingdom.
Others from South Africa, China, India and the United States of America have also responded positively.
This year’s expo is expected to attract more than 400 exhibitors, both local and international, up from 375 last year.
