The Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe is readying for the 12th edition of Sanganai/Hlanganani scheduled for September 12 to 14 at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Grounds in Bulawayo.
In an interview, HAZ president Mr Innocent Manyera, said the region was now geared up for Africa’s premier business exchange.
“I would say the region and other support regions are prepared to host this year’s edition. All efforts are underway to make sure we give the fair the deserving attention to market our products as well as Zimbabwe at large,” Mr Manyera said.
Regarding the prices of accommodation during Sanganai/Hlangani were determined by the demand during the Travel fair.
“The issue to do with accommodation rates is mainly determined by the demand and supply which are key market fundamentals to determine prices.
“During the Sanganai/Hlanganani there is generally high demand on almost all products in Bulawayo which on it’s own moves prices upwards,” he said.
“Also the cost of doing business on its own plays a role on the price of the final product. Likes straightly in our own case we have prices of fuel, gas, electricity among other things adjusted recently due to inflationary pressures.
“Worse case scenario is that we now rely more than 50 percent of the day on diesel powered generators which on its own is scarce and expensive compared to electricity.”
Mr Manyera said most bookings were paid for and visitors had agreed with the offer from operators.
“What we do we benchmark our accommodation rats with other regional shows which most visitors are familiar with to make sure we remain competitive,” he said.
He however, hoped that the fuel situation would improve in the build up to Sanganai/Hlanganani approaches.
“We just hope relevant authorizes will make fuel available for visitors and exhibitors as well as to improve on the electricity situation during the days and beyond.
“This is so tourism as a sector cannot make it along without a holistic approach by all other sectors to paint all positive image about country Zimbabwe,” he said.
According to Zimbabwe Tourism Authority already over 250 exhibitors have registered with about 20 countries having confirmed their participation including India, China, Nigeria, Zambia, South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique.
“This is going to be a three-day event in which we are trying to promote Zimbabwe for MICE, which is Meetings, Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions.
“We are promoting Zimbabwe as a MICE destination where people come and converge. They must also take this opportunity to do business and we want to use this event to further promote that idea, especially with the fact that this exposition is registered under the United Nations World Tourism Organisation calendar,” Head Corporate Affairs Godfrey Koti said.
