International buyers have started arriving into the country for the 11th edition of the Sanganai/ Hlanganani World Tourism Expo to be held from 5-8 September in Bulawayo this year.
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) Chief Executive Officer Dr Karikoga Kaseke said six international buyers arrived from France, Belgium, Italy and Russia speaking at a press conference in Harare yesterday.
“We are expecting to host more than 240 international buyers and over 15 international media from our various source markets,” Kaseke said.”To date, Africa and the Middle East has confirmed the highest number of buyers to a record of 115.”
“Over 65 buyers from the Europe and Americas’ market will attend the Fair with the highest number from UK and Spain and Portugal. The China, Asia and Pacific market has also recorded a notable number of international buyers from that market.”
The CEO also said that 300 companies are booked to exhibit in Hall 3 and Hall 4 of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) for the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo exhibition.
“This year’s edition has attracted interest especially from South Africa, as this stand will house over 25 tour operators who are keen on packaging Zimbabwe,” Kaseke said.
“We continue to receive one of the highest tourist arrivals from South Africa and the growing interest is positively received at our travel expo. Italy will also bring 20 operators.”
Twenty-three countries will be participating at the Sanganai expo this year according to Kaseke.
It is anticipated that the buyers will engage in business exchanges and networks with the Zimbabwe Tourism industry under one roof during the expo according to a press release.
“The buyers’ arrival is a clear sign of the confidence that the International market has on destination Zimbabwe especially with the rejuvenated interest that has been exhibited since November 2017,” the press release says. “It is such an exciting time for the Zimbabwe tourism to leverage on this goodwill with the major thrust of regaining the lost market share and increasing tourism traffic to Zimbabwe.”