Zimbabwe Tourism Authority has intensified its preparations for the hosting of this year’s Sanganai/Hlanganani Tourism expo which is set to be held from the 16th to the 18th of June in the city of Kings.
Addressing journalists in the capital, ZTA acting CEO, Givemore Chidzidzi said plans are at an advanced stage for the hosting of the country’s premier travel expo.
He said they were mulling cancelling the event due to financial challenges but government intervention will see the travel expo going ahead.
“Indeed at some point the authority was contemplating to postpone the event if not cancelling it indefinitely but gladly our continued engagement efforts with government through the ministry of Finance has yielded positive results.
As organizers of the Sanganai/ Hlanganani Expo, we are making a definitive proclamation to the nation that the Expo 2016 is now certain. It will take place in the city of Kings from 16 to 18 June 2016,”said Chidzidzi in a statement.
He said this year’s event will see an increase in the number of exhibitors with 163 companies having registered their participation. This is an increase from last year’s edition which saw 128 companies participating.
Chidzidzi said the exhibitors are in various categories such as accommodation, tour operations, Airlines, Publicity Associations, NGOs and government institutions among others.
The acting CEO also noted that there will be international buyers at the Expo.
“128 buyers from Europe, the Americas, China, Asia & Pacific, Africa and the Middle East have also confirmed their participation with the first group of buyers expected to jet in on the 6th of June,” Chidzidzi said.
“Unlike in previous years where the event was held in Harare, this year’s edition will be in Bulawayo as “it has outgrown the Sunshine City hence the need to use the Zimbabwe Trade Fair grounds which is more spacious” added Chidzidzi
As is the norm, the event will host international media to give them a platform to sell the country from a well-informed point of view. As a result, a total of 19 international journalist from countries such as Nigeria, SA, USA, the UK and Spain.
ZTA will also be hosting local media in Bulawayo for familiarization tours on selected products.
This year’s edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Travel Expo was hanging in the balance due to lack of funding.
A total of $1million dollars was required to successfully host the event and government through the Ministry of Finance had to chip in with close to $500 000 while the rest came from well wishers in form of donations.
