Organizers of Zimbabwe’s annual trade show, Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, said the event, met their expectations, though there’s more to be done.
“We cannot say its 100%, its work in progress, but it’s working out very well,” said Tessa Chikaponya, the managing director of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, which is hosting the event, now in its 7th year.
Chikaponya said the event, which entered its 2nd day Friday with an official opening by ZTA chief executive officer Karikoga Kaseke and other stakeholders, offered a great opportunity for business to business engagement and consultations, which she said will help strengthen the event’s objectives.
“We are quite pleased with the progress that we have had over the years, and the quality of stands are very, very high, together with the business conducted.”
Chikaponya also said the decision to move the event to June from October, to accommodate the schedules of several potential international buyers, interested in marketing Zimbabwe as a tourist destination, paid off as they have more international buyers and exhibitors than last year.
“We have 110 buyers, over and above what we had last year. Last year we had 66-buyers and 10-media, but this year we have 110 buyers and then 27 media,” Chikaponya said, adding that ZTA is “hoping to grow this go get more buyers and more exhibitors.”
The annual Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Center is being held at the International Conference Center in Harare, and ends Saturday.