Around 80 international buyers and tourists have begun arriving in Bulawayo for the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, set to take place from September 12-14.
The expo will showcase Zimbabwe’s rich tourism offerings and provide opportunities for global industry players to network and explore new partnerships.
According to herald.co.zw, this year’s 17th edition will be held at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Grounds, with regional and foreign investors from eight countries having registered to participate.
The buyers and tourists are expected to visit some of the tourist places in Victoria Falls, Hwange, and Bulawayo.
According to the pre-expo organisers, the buyers are from the United Kingdom, China, Japan, France, the United States, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland.
The tours are in groups courtesy of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA).
READ: Africa: Zimbabwe Gears Up for Annual Tourism Showcase As Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo Returns
In an interview, Rainbow Tourism Group’s group corporate affairs and quality manager, Pride Khumbula hosting one of the groups, said they were happy to showcase the best of Zimbabwe to buyers from the UK and France during the exclusive familiarisation tour.
“We are thrilled to welcome distinguished buyers from the United Kingdom and France for an exclusive familiarisation tour of Zimbabwe’s premier tourism destinations — Victoria Falls and Hwange.
“This curated experience is designed to immerse our esteemed guests in the unparalleled beauty, culture, and hospitality that Zimbabwe has to offer, reinforcing our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for international travellers,” she said.
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“We are taking the buyers on a journey through Zimbabwe’s natural wonders, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, to the wildlife-rich expanses of Hwange National Park, this tour provides an authentic taste of Zimbabwe’s most iconic landscapes.”
Khumbula said the guests will experience the grandeur of Africa’s wildlife and the rich cultural heritage of Zimbabwe.
“This tour demonstrates the positive outcomes of collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, ZTA, and the RTG with key partners from the UK and France.
“We are committed to fostering long-term relationships that enhance the value proposition for European travellers, offering them unique and sustainable travel experiences in Zimbabwe,” explained Khumbula.
“As a leader in the tourism industry, RTG is proud to showcase its premium properties, including the 4-star A’Zambezi River Lodge and the Victoria Falls Rainbow Hotel.”
“RTG will also showcase its tour operations subsidiary; Heritage Expeditions Africa (HExA) product and service offerings. HExA will provide all transfers, game drives, and activities in collaboration with activity companies in Victoria Falls and Hwange.” She added that this familiarisation tour is set to showcase and educate the buyers on what destination Zimbabwe has to offer.
“We want the buyers to experience the warmth and hospitality of Zimbabwe through RTG’s exceptional service and world-class facilities.”
She said according to (ZTA) Q1, 2024 report tourism arrivals from Europe into Zimbabwe grew by 62 percent to 47 064 from 29 010 in 2023.
Meanwhile, the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo will run under the theme “Tourism and Peace,” with many activities lined up.
