Karikoga Kaseke addresses the media before the launch of the show earlier this week
HARARE – The 11th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo is proving to be the most exciting of them all, with organisers’ meticulous preparations having impressed many stakeholders.
The expo, which kicked off at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) grounds in Bulawayo on Wednesday, began with a march in honour of Father Zimbabwe, the late Vice President Joshua Nkomo, showing his tourism heritage trails.
Buyers from across the world have also arrived in the country, setting the stage for a successful show.
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) chief executive officer (CEO), Dr Karikoga Kaseke told journalists last week that 300 companies had booked to exhibit in halls three and four.
“This year’s edition has attracted interest especially from South Africa as this stand will house over 25 tour operators who are keen to package Zimbabwe. We continue to see high tourist arrivals from South Africa, and Italy will also bring 20 operators,” Kaseke said.
He urged all tourism players to partner with ZTA in promoting different tourism packages available in the country.
Tourism heritage trails entail the crafting of routes that tourists can follow if they want to understand the history behind an iconic figure.
Through the Ministry of Finance, ZTA has been able to host tour operators who are coming to visit various places in Zimbabwe.
One of the favourite tourist attractions, if recent trends are anything to go by, is Mana Pools which has, however, always trailed behind Victoria Falls.
Speaking to iTell News, Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe (TBCZ) president, Tich Hwingwiri said they were prepared to host all visitors who have arrived as well as those that are yet to arrive in the country for the show.
“As stakeholders with specific interests in tourism, we need this and we cannot afford not to fully exploit this opportunity. We want to participate and make sure that this year’s edition of Sangani/Hlanganani becomes an unmatched success story,” Hwingwiri said.business
