Manicaland leaves mark at tourism Expo
THE just-ended 15th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo held in Bulawayo surpassed its target of expected exhibitors.
Manicaland Province had six exhibitors, that is Buhera Rural District Council, Mutare Polytechnic, Mutare City Council, Allied Timbers and Gairezi Development Trust.
Allied Timbers and City of Mutare shined after emerging as first runners-up in the Best Public Institution and Best Publicity Association Stands categories respectively at the Sanganai/Hlanganani Business Expo’s awards ceremony held last week on Saturday.
African Sun Limited won the overall stand award.
The eventful expo saw 270 exhibitors participating, 20 more than the anticipated number.
The expo was coming from a two-year hiatus following the Covid-19 pandemic-induced lockdown.
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive, Ms Winnie Muchanyuka said they were excited that the expo was overwhelmingly subscribed.
“We had set a target of 250 exhibitors, but we surpassed this target. A total of 270 exhibitors, including 30 foreign firms, participated.
“This was more than what we had anticipated,” said Ms Muchakanyuka.
She added: “We are also very grateful and appreciative of the massive support from sponsors who helped us to put this
edition together. We have to remember that things have been difficult in the tourism industry after the global Covid-19 pandemic, but we received amazing support, which to me is an appreciation of the importance of tourism in our economy,” she said.
The splendour of the majestic mountains, flora and fauna of the Eastern Highlands in particular and Zimbabwe at large charmed regional and international buyers who spoke to Post Business.
“I visited several areas across Zimbabwe and I was impressed by the magnificent tourism sites, the mountains and the people.
“Victoria Falls and Nyanga were awesome. The overall experience in Zimbabwe is amazing. I will sell my experience when I get back home in Dubai. I think a lot of people have misconceptions about Zimbabwe.
“The people are too nice, while the waterfalls are well taken care of. I have a pool of investors who may be excited to explore and invest in Zimbabwe’s private lodges,” said Mr Zaim Muhammad who had come in from the United Arab Emirates.
Apart from Zimbabwe, six African countries — South Africa, Rwanda, Mozambique, Zambia, Botswana and Malawi exhibited at the expo, with South Africa registering the largest number of exhibitors (10), while Rwanda and Zambia had five and four exhibitors respectively. Mozambique had seven exhibitors. A total of 100 buyers who attended the expo were drawn from Germany, the United Kingdom, United States of America, the Middle East, Australia and India.
Eastern Highlands Experience chairman, Mr William Chatigu said tourism players from the Eastern Highlands should capitalise on such platforms to market their services and products.
“This was a grand opportunity for tourism players, particularly hotel and accommodation facilities to make their services and products known globally. This happens once a year and I believe we need to step up and make the world know about the Eastern Highlands.
“Zimbabwe tourism is not only about Victoria Falls since the country has a lot more to offer. For tourists to come here, they need to know us through these platforms, therefore we should support such initiatives (the Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo),” he said.