Exhibitors and International buyers have lauded the 11th Sanganai Hlanganani World Tourism Expo as the best in the event’s history.
The 2018 edition held between 6th and 8th October in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe had participants from 23 countries including Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, GCC, Angola, Zambia, Tanzania, Nigeria, Botswana and the Gulf Corporation Council (GCC). This year’s exhibition dominated by Southern African had 325 companies and 226 international buyers and media.
The event among other initiatives saw the introduction of a 3-hour speed networking in which exhibitors and buyers had about fifteen minutes to strike deals. According to the buyers and exhibitors, the session which run for two business days afforded them an opportunity to close deals even with unscheduled appointments.
Destination Marketing Promoter in Angola, Angela Martha Diamantino
The Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Dr Karigoka Kaseke who was enthused about this year’s novelty announced plans to extend the speed networking session to 4 hours a day from next year for maximum impact.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Operations) of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Ekow Sampson also said “the speed networking session was very insightful and we have been able to discuss a lot of partnerships with other regional boards on how to share knowledge and improve our various destinations”
Destination Marketing Promoter in Angola, Angela Martha Diamantino also expressed her excitement about this year’s event. “Sanganai brought us close to the African market whilst the speed networking session helped me a good number of deals” she said.
Andrew-Ogunbayo Dayo a Nigerian Tour operator with Fidol Trips also outlined how the event enabled his group establish partnership deals with exhibitors and property owners.
“The reactions were quick and decision-making was spot on as owners of businesses were there to firm up. Zimbabwe’s tourism product offering is good and having this experiential fam-trips also broaden our knowledge for the destination”.
Kenyan Tour Operator, Hussein Jiwani, Managing Director with Go Places Africa DMC noted, regional tourism took center stage especially with the speed networking session. “Zimbabwe was open for business and this was evident in the manner in which business was conducted” he said.
