By Tourism correspondent
The 12th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo kicks off today at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZITF), Bulawayo with 260 exhibitors expected to participate in the annual tourism trade fair.
One hundred and seventy buyers including 25 international media from different source markets are also expected to grace the expo.
Communications Manager for Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, the organisers of the expo, Godfrey Koti revealed that two halls - Hall 4 and 5- have been fully occupied.
“Hall 4 will be utilised by the mainstream tourism exhibitors while Hall 3 will be for tourism suppliers, tertiary institutions, Rural District Councils (RDCs) and Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs),” said Koti.
“Ten countries will participate and this includes Malawi, Botswana, Nigeria, Kenya, India, South Africa, Tanzania United Kingdom, Angola and Ethiopia. Botswana will house over 15 exhibitors,” added Koti.
ZTA has also developed an online appointment system where exhibitors and buyers will meet online to make appointments, initiated by either the exhibitor or buyer. Prior to the show one would have taken up contacts and scheduled some appointments.
To maximise interaction between buyers, media and exhibitors, Koti said there would be speed networking where buyers and exhibitors “derive their maximum value for attending Sanganai.”
He said speed dating would be happening today and tomorrow. At this event, Koti said, exhibitors and buyers would have the opportunity to present themselves in short pitches and at the same time seize the opportunity to exchange ideas and start long-term collaborations.
The Expo is expected to be officially opened by the Acting Minister of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Mrs Kirsty Coventry tomorrow.
