The Sunday News
Wilson Dakwa, Business Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Tourism Authority has partnered a number of health service providers to host a health expo that will run concurrently with the 10th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo which starts in Bulawayo on Thursday.
In a statement, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) said the purpose of the health expo was to provide a platform to increase health awareness to the public who will be attending the tourism fair.
“The services provided at the health expo will include provision of vital checks, dentistry, optometry and cervical cancer screening. All these services will be for free during the exhibition days. Health service providers who have come on board to support this initiative include Seventh Day Adventist Church, Cellmed Health and Cimas,” said ZTA.
The tourism promotion body also said that it has surpassed its targeted number of exhibitors and the hosting city, Bulawayo has the majority of exhibitors who registered for the expo.
“About 150 of this year’s exhibitors are from Bulawayo compared to 95 who participated at the 2016 edition. To date, 340 exhibitors have registered compared to 236 who attended the 2016 edition which is a 44 percent growth in exhibitor numbers.
“Sanganai is now fully subscribed, however, we continue to waitlist those who are interested in case we have some last minute drop outs. This year’s edition has received an increase in international representation. About 11 countries represented by 22 foreign exhibitors will be exhibiting compared to eight countries who participated in 2016 represented by 30 individual companies,” said ZTA.
According to ZTA 224 international buyers and 24 international media from Africa, Middle East, Europe, America, China and Asia are set to participate in the tourism fair.
ZTA also said space uptake had increased from 5 372 square meters in 2016 to 6 287 square metres this year and the number of first time participants has increased from 54 companies last year to 85 exhibitors at this year’s edition.
“This is largely attributed to the uptake of an additional hall (Hall 5) that will house Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) exhibitors who have products that complement the sector. Sanganai will utilise Hall 3, 4 and 5,” said ZTA.
The 10th edition will see the introduction of speed dating sessions earmarked at enhancing interaction between international buyers and exhibitors.
