Staff Writer
The 15th edition of Sanganai-Hlanganani World Tourism Expo which opened Thursday has set a new record after surpassing number of exhibitors.
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive, Ms Winnie Muchanyuka told local media that they had set a target of 250 exhibitors but surpassed it by 20 to 270.
“We had set a target if 250 exhibitors but we are happy to announce that we surpassed this target. As we speak, 270 exhibitors including 30 foreign firms, are participating this year which is more than we initially anticipated,” said Ms Muchanyuka.
“We are very excited at being here but more than anything, we are excited that after two editions of being virtual, this year we have a physical exhibition,” she added.
Six African countries, namely South Africa, Rwanda, Mozambique, Zambia, Botswana and Malawi are exhibiting at this year’s expo. South Africa has the largest number of exhibitors (10). Rwanda has five exhibitors while Zambia has four and Mozambique seven.
“In addition, all ten provinces in the country have confirmed that they will be participating at this year’s expo,” Ms Muchanyuka told journalists.
100 buyers who had registered for the expo are already in the country and have been part of tours to key tourism destinations. Buyers from Germany, the United Kingdom, United States of America, the Middle East, Australia and India have arrived for the expo.
“We are also very grateful and appreciative of the massive support from sponsors that has helped us put this edition together.
“We have to remember that things have been difficult in the tourism industry after the global Covid-19 pandemic.
“We have received amazing support which to me is an appreciation of the importance of tourism in our economy,” she said.
“One such sponsor is the Airports Company of Zimbabwe with whom we work in tandem bringing tourists into the country. Air Zimbabwe have also been assisting us in our endeavour to make Zimbabwe an attractive tourism destination,” she said.
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