By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Sanganai/Hlanganani – World Tourism Expo has remained relevant during these trying times and this year’s edition is expected to supersede the successes achieved during the 2020 edition.
Announcing the dates for the tourism extravaganza the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority’s Acting Chief Executive, Mr Givemore Chidzidzi said registration for exhibitors opens on 15 September 2021 and the meetings diary will open in the first week of October.
“We have seen it prudent to enhance features of the platform so as to remain competitive and to keep abreast with international virtual platform” Mr Chidzidzi said.
“Furthermore, the platform has become more user friendly as participants can now schedule meetings using their respective time zones.”
The 15th edition of Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo scheduled for will be hosted virtually from 27 – 29 October 2021.
This year’s edition will see a series of webinars being hosted and will touch on topical issues including the market perspective webinar session where agents from key source markets will share insights on the changing global trends due to the effects of the pandemic.
The annual tourism was held virtually last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The virtual system which was developed in-house by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority has since undergone enhancements to include an ‘on-demand’ meeting requests platform, live HD video conferencing and a virtual auditorium for interactive webinar sessions as well as virtual exhibitor booths.
The recruitment of international buyers for this year’s edition has commenced and the ZTA is optimistic that new buyers will participate at this year’s event.
The ZTA recently collaborated with Rida International Travel Solutions to promote destination Zimbabwe to over 400 buyers from South East Asia.
ZTA has adapted to the new normal in the wake of the pandemic which now defines how to engage with the markets. Zimbabwe has remained connected to the market through various platforms and membership in international associations from key source markets such as Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA), African Travel & Tourism Association (ATTA) UK, Anerkannte Spezialisten fuer Afrika-Reisen (ASA) Germany. Through these partnerships, the destination has continued to receive the much-needed exposure through engagements that have been facilitated by the associations.
About Author
