The Sunday News
Thandeka Matebesi, Business Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Tourism Authority has started registering exhibitors for the 12th edition of Sanganai/Hlanganani tourism showcase that will be held in Bulawayo from 12 to 14 September.
ZTA head of corporate affairs Mr Godfrey Koti said his organisation would be offering a 10 percent discount for exhibitors who would register during the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair next month.
“Preparations have started and registration has opened, exhibitors have also started confirming their participation early to secure their desired spots. We will be offering a 10 percent discount of registration done during the ZITF in Bulawayo. The online buyers’ appointment diary will be live by the beginning of the second quarter and exhibitors may start to secure meetings with buyers in advance,” said Mr Koti.
“We do not have a theme for the expo, we continue to run with the ‘pay off line, Africa’s Premier Business Exchange’ as a way to promote the business to business nature of the fair. The focus is on creating a conducive platform where business to business meetings and deals can be done and secured in turn for return on investment.”
Sanganai/Hlanganani — World Tourism Expo is an annual Tourism Trade Fair organised by the ZTA. It showcases the widest variety of Africa’s best tourism products, and attracts international visitors and media from across the world.
The fair is the successor of Shanyai/Vakatshani, the Zimbabwe International Travel Expo (ZITE) that was held annually at the Harare International Conference Centre. ZITE started as a small expo in 1982 and grew over the years to become one of Africa’s leading tourism showcases by 2007.
The past 11 editions of Sanganai/ Hlanganani were a resounding success and attracted the leading African destinations and major world tourism markets such as South Africa, Botswana, Malaysia, China, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Indonesia, India, Italy and many others.
The editions have seen the whole world converging in Zimbabwe in the form of high calibre international buyers as well as exhibitors. Last year the Expo attracted 325 companies and 150 buyers, according to organisers. A total of 23 countries participated at last year’s exhibition, housing more than 77 companies in sharing stands, which was the highest recorded since the rebranding of the expo.
