By Tendai Guvamombe
The 16th Edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani-World Tourism Expo, the leading tourism exhibition in Southern Africa, is set to take place from 12 to 14 October 2023, in Bulawayo at the prestigious Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre also known as the Trade Fair Grounds.
Addressing Journalists at a Press Conference held in Harare on Monday, Tourism Minister Hon Barbara Rwodzi said the on going preparations have seen 20 regional organizations across Africa registering for the event.
“The forthcoming edition has a total of 276 exhibiting organizations, but registration is ongoing as the target is 300 exhibitors. Amongst the exhibitors are 29 regional organizations coming from South Africa, Rwanda, Burundi, Malawi, and Zambia.”
In her remarks she added that the growing presents of international organisations at SANGANAI HLANGANANI WORLD TOURISM EXPO is a clear testimony of how the annual event has grown in significance.
“Their presence adds a rich tapestry of cultural experiences to the showcase and opens up exciting possibilities for continental tourism collaborations. The participation of these organizations is testament to the growing significance of Sanganai/Hlanganani as a key event on the regional tourism calendar and the country’s engagement efforts.”
Apart from this, Zimbabwe is also looking forward to host at least 100 buyers across the Globe and this will be spotlighted by both local and foreign media at the expo.
“As the tourism sector, we are also looking forward to host 100 buyers from our traditional and emerging source markets namely: America, United Kingdom, China, Asia and the Pacific, Australia and Africa, evidence of the Expo’s increasing international appeal. We are still having more buyers expressing interest. The buyers embark on pre and post familiarization tours of the various tourism destinations across Zimbabwe.”
“Moreover, both international and local media will be part of the expo with international media coming from countries such as the United States of America, China, United Kingdom and South Africa. The media will also take a tour of Zimbabwe so that they can tell the true Zimbabwean story.”
