TENDAI BHEBE IN BULAWAYO
Preparations for this year’s edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani- World Tourism Expo are on track with more than 400 buyers from South East Asia expected to attend.
The prime tourism fair is set to be held virtually from October 27 to 29 in line with Covid-19 mitigation measures.
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA)’s head of corporate affairs, Godfrey Koti (pictured) said registration for exhibitors opened yesterday (September 15, 2021) and the diary meetings will open in the first week of October.
ZTA, which is the organiser of the fair, has since enhanced features of the virtual system, which was developed in-house, to keep abreast with international platforms.
It now includes an on-demand meeting requests platform and virtual auditoriums.
This means it has become more user friendly as participants can now schedule meetings using their respective time zones.
“ZTA has adapted to the new normal in the wake of the Covid-19 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 the Japan Association of Travel Agents, African Travel & Tourism Association UK, Anerkannte Spezialisten für Afrika-Reisen Germany,” Koti said.
He added: “Through these partnerships, the destination has continued to receive the much-needed exposure through engagements that have been facilitated by the associations.
“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.”
Koti said this year’s edition is expected to supersede the successes achieved during the 2020 edition.
He said the online platform has become more user friendly as participants can now schedule meetings using their respective time zones.
Koti was optimistic new buyers will participate at this year’s event.
“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,” he said.
