Sanganai/Hlangani Expo attracts quality sponsors

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) says the upcoming Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo continues to attract quality and credible sponsors as evidenced by the coming on board of Air Zimbabwe and the Airports Company of Zimbabwe.

This year’s Sanganai/Hlanganani fair takes place in Bulawayo from October 13 – 15.

The 15th edition of Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, is expected to ride on the successes gained by the previous editions.

The event provides excellent opportunities for brand exposition to both exhibiting, partnering and sponsoring companies.

ZTA quoted the Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) chief executive officer, Tawanda Gusha as saying: “The Airports Company of Zimbabwe (Private) Limited will be partnering ZTA at this year’s edition of Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo. Aviation and tourism are intertwined and interdependent; the growth in national tourism translates directly to the growth of passenger and aircraft movements across the airports making this a win-win partnership.”

He added that the tourism and travel industries were the most hit by the Covid -19 global pandemic and thus the forthcoming travel expo provides a unique opportunity for business recovery.

“This year the event is attracting buyers from across the globe making it the perfect platform for this strategic partnership”, said Gusha.

The ACZ operates a network of eight airports which are strategically located around the country, providing direct and fastest access to the country’s tourist resorts and trade areas.

The three major airports with schedule services are Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, the main gateway into Zimbabwe and the capital city, Harare (currently being upgraded), Victoria Falls International Airport, which provides access to the majestic Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport, which provides access to Zimbabwe’s second largest city and the country’s industrial hub, Bulawayo.

The ACZ operates other five smaller airports which are mainly served by charter operators except for Kariba which now has a scheduled service.

These are Kariba International Airport, Charles Prince International Airport, Hwange National Park Airport, Masvingo International Airport, and Buffalo Range International Airport.

Air Zimbabwe acting chief executive officer, Tafadzwa Zaza, also expressed gratitude over his airline partnering ZTA for Sanganai/Hlanganani.

“This expo, the first after prolonged suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic, is a business opportunity for all travel and tourism players, Air Zimbabwe included”, he said.

The partnership includes among other things, domestic flights for winners of a familiarization trip to Zimbabwe at the Dubai 2020 Expo held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from October 2021 to March this year.

The partnership will also include co-branding on advertising and other exciting activities inflight and prizes on the public day.

Air Zimbabwe has put additional capacity to twice daily flights for the convenience of local and foreign inbound visitors.

In welcoming the partnerships, ZTA Chief Executive Winnie Muchanyuka said, “I would like to commend Airports Company of Zimbabwe and Air Zimbabwe for coming on board with their various sponsorship packages for Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo.

“It gives us the much-needed boost and confidence as we resume the expo in its physical form following a protracted break due to the ruthless Covid-19 pandemic.

“I would like to sincerely thank them for considering Sanganai/Hlanganani worthy partnering and sponsoring especially in this environment where there is a fierce competition for resources.

“Let me at this juncture call upon corporates and individuals to follow suit. So once again thank you to ACZ and Air Zimbabwe,” she said.-ebusinessweekly