‘Tourism’ show opens today

By NATION REPORTER THIS year’s Southern Tourism, Agricultural and Commercial Show (STACS) starting today in Livingstone has been boosted by the participation of tour operators from neighbouring Zimbabwe.

STACS president James Mwanza who confirmed this to

the Daily Nation in an exclusive interview in Livingstone on Monday, said that the tour operators would take part in the annual event under the auspices of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA).

Mr Mwanza disclosed that the participation of Zimbabwe Tourism Authority was a great achievement for the show society because recently there had been no exhibitor from neighbouring countries.

“The participation of tour operators from Zimbabwe under that country’s tourism authority will boost this year’s show. It is a great step ahead since we have not had any members from Zimbabwe taking part during our show,” Mr Mwanza said.

He said out of all exhibitors who had expressed interest to take part in the show, 54 had already paid for their participation.

“People have started putting up their stands at the show grounds and so far, I can safely say that everything is going on as planned,” he said.

“Those coming from other parts of the province and outside the province are expected to start arriving today (Tuesday) in readiness for the show and also erect their stands,” Mr Mwanza said.

Mr Mwanza said that following the cancellation of the provincial show which used to take place in Choma, this year’s STACS would likely attract more exhibitors from the agro sector.

Last year, Southern Province Minister Edify Hamukale announced the cancellation of the provincial show in order to promote the STACS which had been held now for more than 10 years.

A check at the showgrounds by the Daily Nation some exhibitors cleaning and putting up structures at their respective stands in readiness for the show.