Maria Chiguvari
THE 16th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo is set to take place in Bulawayo from October 12-14, showcasing Zimbabwe’s rich tourism potential.
Key global tourism industry players and stakeholders will attend the event, which celebrates the resilience and dynamism of Zimbabwe and Africa as premiere tourism destinations.
The expo will offer a platform for networking, collaboration and showcasing the best of Zimbabwe’s diverse range of destinations, wildlife and adventure offerings.
The event will also include educational workshops, networking sessions, award ceremonies and career guidance sessions, among other activities.
In a statement, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive, Winnie Muchanyuka, said they are looking forward to showcase the beauty, heritage and hospitality of the country, and promote Zimbabwe as an irresistible destination for travellers looking to experience authentic African tourism.
“The 2023 edition of Sanganai Hlanganani World Tourism will beam the light on tourism and place the entire travel and tourism on centre stage.
“We look forward to showcasing the beauty of our country,” she said.
Muchanyuka said participants should expect a variety of engaging and interactive activities during the expo, such as educational workshops to foster knowledge sharing, networking sessions to foster collaboration among industry experts.
She said there will be awards to recognise and celebrate outstanding contributions to the tourism sector.
“An exciting array of activities awaits participants. These will include business-to-business meetings for industry players and buyers.
“A Tourism investment forum will be held to showcase opportunities that are available to potential tourism sector investors.
“The aviation sector will also converge to talk about various issues affecting the aviation sector.
“Buyers will take up the usual destination site visits in the different locations across the destination to get an understanding of what the country’s incredible tourist attractions offer,” she said.
The Zimbabwean tourism industry has undergone notable transformation in recent years, spurred by sustainable initiatives, improved infrastructure and strategic partnerships.
Muchanyuka urged the sector’s new players to take advantage of the Expo to exhibit and showcase their businesses.
“We’re encouraging the upcoming tourism players who have difficulties in accessing the market to come and register as exhibitors to use this platform to market their facilities to the broader tourism family and more so, to the visiting international buyers,” she said.
The annual event is organised by ZTA, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, and is known for its high-profile attendees and engaging exhibition pavilions.