Photo: CEO of Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Rita Likukuma
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority has announced this year’s dates of Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo. Speaking at a press conference in Harare,yesterday, Chief Executive of Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Rita Likukuma said the Fair will be held from 12 – 14 September 2019 at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre.
Likukuma said the registration has opened and exhibition space will be allocated on a first come first serve basis. “All exhibitors were urged to book early to avoid last minute disappointments. The 2018 edition registered 318 exhibitors and it is envisaged that this number will be surpassed given the interest that has come through from first time exhibitors. We want the 2019 edition to be much bigger and definitely much better” said Likukuma The 2019 edition is expected to host over 100 international buyers from the various source markets. “The screening criteria for international buyers will be strict as our focus is to host buyers who are serious about bringing business to Zimbabwe and who also have potential to invest in the tourism industry” she added.
Likukuma expressed excitement and enthusiasm saying the popular speed networking sessions introduced two editions back had yielded great benefits for participants. “This has worked greatly for Exhibitors who have utilised this forum to introduce their product and service offings to international buyers. Speed networking will take place on 12 and 13 September 2019 which also marks the business days of the expo” she said.
‘I am appealing to every operator throughout the country to come out and take advantage of the fair. No operator is small in tourism as everyone has a market to serve. We want everyone to be present. It is my wish to also have tourism operators and supplies from Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)’ said Mrs Rita Likukuma the ZTA Acting Chief Executive.
In order to give every operator an opportunity to meet with international buyers at Sanganai/Hlanganani, the ZTA said it will offer 10% discount to exhibitors who register at the ZTA stand during ZITF. It further stressed that Exhibitors would also be privy to the online meetings diary where they can schedule meetings with international buyers prior to the exhibition.
This platform is created to facilitate business to business meetings all under one roof without incurring huge costs on travel to meet tour operators and wholesalers in the source markets.
