Bulawayo ready to host Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo delegates

Judith Phiri, Sunday News Repo(ZIEC).

The tourism event, poised to be a significant showcase for the country’s tourism industry, will run from Thursday to Friday. 

The official opening and awards ceremony will be on Friday.

In an interview, Bulawayo Minister for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube said the province was ready to host delegates from different parts of the country and other countries. 

“The Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo is one of the major events hosted in Bulawayo together with the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), Mining, Engineering and Transport (Mine Entra) exhibition and Africa Infrastructure and Built Environment Confex (AfriConfex) among others. We are happy to be welcoming visitors into the city from different parts of Zimbabwe and other countries,” she said. 

The Minister said the event also played a key role in boosting the province’s economy.

She further called on Bulawayo residents to welcome the visitors with open arms and be hospitable to them. 

“We should welcome our visitors with love so that they enjoy their stay in Bulawayo. Visitors will be staying at different hospitality venues, these should provide world-class standards so that the visitors will come again to their places. 

“Those who will be providing different services as well, such as transport, food outlets and entertainment services as well, they should make sure people have good lasting impression,” she said. 

Bulawayo as Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, is a vibrant cultural hub with a rich history and an array of attractions. It also remains a favourable and safe tourism destination that boasts a range of untapped attractions and unique offerings. 

The city also promotes cultural tourism to preserve its cultural heritage, boost its economy and share its unique culture with the world.

Known as the “City of Kings,” Bulawayo offers immense potential for cultural tourism as it is steeped in history. It was once the capital of the Ndebele Kingdom and has played a significant role in Zimbabwe’s journey to independence. 

The city is home to numerous historical sites, including the Natural History Museum, the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo and the Railway Museum.

On its outskirts are the Khami Ruins and Matobo National Park, both Unesco World Heritage Sites.

Umguza Nature Reserve, Tshabalala Sanctuary, Silwane Nature Reserve and Chipangali Wildlife Sanctuary are also located in the vicinity of the city, while Makokoba Township is also a place to go for visitors who want a feel of township tourism.

In 2023, between January and September, official statistics revealed that tourism in Bulawayo was anchored predominantly on domestic tourism, with a clientele mix of 86 percent of locals and 14 percent of foreigners.

Bulawayo is second after Harare in terms of both the number of hotels and room capacity, which is a reflection of its potential to benefit from domestic tourism if fully embraced and harnessed.