Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo introduces inaugural Aviation Forum
COLLABORATION, innovation, and growth within the tourism and aviation sectors will come under the spotlight this week during the inaugural Aviation Forum at the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo in Bulawayo, which aims to highlight the crucial role of the aviation sector in driving tourism and fostering economic recovery in Zimbabwe.
The 16th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo will run between Thursday and Saturday at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo.
The expo is an annual event, showcasing the country’s vast tourism potential, while it attracts a wide range of local and international exhibitors, industry professionals, and visitors interested in exploring Zimbabwe’s unique attractions and investment opportunities.
The inaugural Aviation Forum is jointly run by the Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA).
The event, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, aims to highlight the crucial role of the aviation sector in driving tourism and fostering economic recovery in Zimbabwe.
Representatives from airlines, aviation experts, tourism players and support actors are expected to attend.
ZTA spokesperson, Mr Godfrey Koti said recognising the significance of air travel in promoting tourism, the Tourism and Transport ministries and the ZTA have joined forces to create an environment conducive to growth and sustainable development.
“The Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) have jointly announced plans to host an Aviation Forum during the upcoming Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, set to take place from 12 to 14 October 2023 in Bulawayo.
“The event, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, aims to highlight the crucial role of the aviation sector in driving tourism and fostering economic recovery in Zimbabwe,” said Mr Koti.
“The Aviation Forum serves as a platform to deepen the partnership between the tourism and aviation sectors. Recognising the significance of air travel in promoting tourism, the ministries and the ZTA have joined forces to create an environment conducive to growth and sustainable development.
“The Aviation Forum will provide a unique opportunity for stakeholders in both sectors to engage in productive discussions, share insights, and explore innovative ways to enhance connectivity and accessibility. By forging stronger ties between aviation and tourism, Zimbabwe aims to attract more international visitors, boost visitor numbers, and position itself as a premier travel destination in the region.”
The ACZ, a leader in aviation infrastructure, has played a pivotal role in creating more routes into the country.
With its commitment to expanding connectivity, the company has successfully attracted renowned airlines to fly into Zimbabwe. Notably, the number of international airlines serving Zimbabwe has increased from approximately 15 in 2017 to a staggering 23.
The growing number of flights into Zimbabwe are expected to improve air connectivity from key source markets.
Godfrey ‘Chief’ Koti
Mr Koti said the strong growth signifies the growing confidence of international carriers in Zimbabwe’s tourism potential.
“One of the key topics to be addressed during the forum is the importance of an open skies policy.
“This policy, which promotes liberalisation and deregulation of air transport, can significantly contribute to the growth of the tourism sector.
“The removal of unnecessary restrictions and barriers will attract more airlines to Zimbabwe, increase flight routes, lower airfares, and ultimately make the country more accessible to international tourists.
“The Aviation Forum will also focus on collaborative efforts to enhance infrastructure development, including the expansion and modernisation of airports and the improvement of aviation services. By investing in cutting-edge infrastructure and advanced technologies, Zimbabwe aims to enhance the overall travel experience for visitors, ensuring seamless connectivity across the country. The unique forum will explore opportunities for training and capacity building within the aviation industry.
“By investing in skills development and knowledge transfer, Zimbabwe seeks to nurture a skilled workforce capable of meeting the evolving needs and demands of the tourism sector,” added Mr Koti.
ZTA, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, and the ACZ are confident that the Aviation Forum will pave the way for increased collaboration, innovation, and growth within the tourism and aviation sectors.
“By working together, these sectors can drive economic recovery, create employment opportunities, and showcase the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty that Zimbabwe has to offer,” said Mr Koti.
Tourism is a strategically important sector of Zimbabwe’s economy.
Under the National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy — Vision 2025, the Government targets to increase tourist arrivals to over 5,5 million by 2023, as well as grow tourism receipts from US$1 billion in 2017 to US$3,5 billion by end of 2023.
The premier travel and tourism showcase continues to be officially recognised on the world tourism calendar as it features local and international exhibitors including national tourism boards, embassies, international airlines, leading hotel chains and Government ministries.-chronicle
