Physical format of Sanganai/Hlanganani expo excites tourism sector

PLAYERS in the tourism industry say the return of the annual Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo to be held in Bulawayo next month will open more opportunities for product improvement and creation of partnerships.

The expo returns to its physical format at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre from October 13-15 with scores of tourism operators, buyers and agents expected to attend.

Registration is still open and so far over 150 exhibitors from Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia, Botswana and Malawi have registered to participate.

The premier tourism event provides a platform for partnerships and brings sector players under the same roof with buyers, agents and potential travellers.

Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) national chairman Mr Farai Chimba who is also Victoria Falls Hotel general manager said the hosting of the expo is significant.

“As players we actively participate in the show as it bears significant impact in not only showcasing our products locally but an opportunity to lock in international business from buyers attending,” said Mr Chimba.
He said Sanganai/Hlanganani was a platform to market Zimbabwe in line with the Second Republic’s policy of engagement and re-engagement.

“While attendance is voluntary we encourage participation to give access to creating partnerships with other players and also use this as a gateway to grow tourism receipts for the destination.

“If you don’t tell your story, someone else will and take a large piece of the cake for their efforts,” he said.

Mr Chimba said there are huge pickings for participating at the expo.
HAZ Matabeleland North chair Mr Anald Musonza said the return of the expo is a great sign of the reopening of the industry.

He said players in Victoria Falls had missed face to face engagements as a result of Covid-19, which restricted meetings and travel.

“This year’s expo happens when we all can see tourism numbers are on the increase. It is, therefore, critical that most if not all operators attend and showcase all the product improvements that have happened post Covid-19.

“It’s also a platform to just showcase that we made it through the tough times and we are ready to thrive once again,” said Mr Musonza.

Addressing the press in Bulawayo last week, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) chief executive officer Ms Winnie Muchanyuka said the industry is showing signs of recovery as shown by the increase in arrivals from international travel in the first half of 2022 while the domestic market also continues to show positive growth since the launch of the ZimBho Campaign.

Ms Muchanyuka said the return of physical meetings and events has reignited the growth of the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events) sector.

“We are optimistic that we will reach our target of 250 exhibitors. The industry both supply and demand side are eagerly waiting to reconnect, hence we are excited to be staging the physical edition of Sanganai/Hlanganani and we call upon industry players in Bulawayo to come in numbers,” said Ms Muchanyuka.

She said every province will be fully represented at the expo in line with the policy of devolution and decentralisation to ensure that all known and hidden gems get to be profiled.

Ms Muchanyuka said efforts had been made to reach out to all provinces to bring along industry stakeholders.
Community-based tourism is expected to be visible during the expo as Government through ZTA continues to ensure that all the tourism value chain is promoted.

Ms Muchanyuka said the Tourism Innovative Hub, which is aimed at supporting youth and exposing their ideas to the global community will also be showcased.

“We are maintaining speed networking – B2B meetings for buyers and exhibitors. Another exciting addition will be the Sadc Ministers Tourism Roundtable,” she said.

“This will bring tourism ministers from the Sadc region to deliberate on pertinent issues regarding tourism development and growth post Covid-19 pandemic,” said Ms Muchanyuka. —chronicle.co.zw