Sanganai buyers engage operators

10 Apr, 2016 - 00:04 0 Views
Sanganai buyers engage operators Mr Karikoga Kaseke (left) briefs journalists on preparations for the country’s premier tourism expo Sanganai/Hlanganani in this file picture

The Sunday News

Mr Karikoga Kaseke (left) briefs journalists on preparations for the country’s premier tourism expo Sanganai/Hlanganani in this file picture

Mr Karikoga Kaseke (left) briefs journalists on preparations for the country’s premier tourism expo Sanganai/Hlanganani in this file picture

Roberta Katunga, Senior Business Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Tourism Authority has agreed with various service providers in the tourism sector to offer Sanganai/ Hlanganani buyers access to facilities during the tourism expo as part of marketing efforts for the Zimbabwe destination.

In the past the ZTA had faced problems with operators who expected buyers to pay for their services or access to their products.

Speaking on the sidelines of a stakeholders meeting in Bulawayo, ZTA chief operating officer Mr Givemore Chidzidzi said operators should understand that buyers need to sample attractions so as to include them in their catalogues when selling Zimbabwe to clients and that this was for their own benefit.

“We have been trying to explain to service providers that Sanganai is for them and they are the ones with attractions that need to be sampled by buyers for the consumers. Buyers need to sell Zimbabwe from a knowledgeable view,” said Mr Chidzidzi.

He said what was important to note was that there were similar destinations and that the tourism industry is competitive hence to gain an edge over competitors in the region, Zimbabwe has to be accessible.

“We are urging all operators to give buyers the product so that it gets into their catalogue and we help each other to position and market the country as the ideal destination,” he said.

Speaking on the challenges of moving the event from Harare to Bulawayo, Mr Chidzidzi said most of the tour operators are headquartered in Harare thus they had cited additional costs which would be incurred through travelling and accommodation in the country’s second largest city.

“Sanganai has for past years been in their backyard but now they have to invest more in Bulawayo. However, the venue costs in Harare were high as the HICC is not a dedicated exhibition venue whereas the ZITF has more reasonable rates. This will mitigate the concerns by other players on the additional costs as these can be harmonised through saving on stand bookings,” said Mr Chidzidzi.

He said buyers were, however, supportive of the move to Bulawayo although initial concerns of accessibility and connectivity had been raised. He said buyers from places like Europe and Asia would have additional stopovers.

“As ZTA we have ensured that when they get to Harare, we incorporate the trip to Bulawayo as a pre-tour of the attractions we have. Buyers will be taken to Bulawayo via Eastern Highlands and Masvingo and they will already be experiencing the destination,” he said.

Bulawayo last hosted the first edition of the fair then known as Shanyai/ Vakatshani eight years ago.

The fair which will be hosted about two months after the country’s biggest trade exhibition, the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair will ensure that Bulawayo’s generally quiet state is hyped with the ZITF company saying that the city has the capacity to host Sanganai/Hlanganani and subsequent editions of the show.

Mr Chidzidzi said aggression on promoting the return of the fair to Bulawayo will be stepped up with effect from 1 May soon after the trade fair with roadshows to raise awareness.

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