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THE 17th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo 2024 kicked off in Bulawayo yesterday amid hopes of improved new investments and stronger partnerships that will bolster the growth of Zimbabwe’s tourism sector and the wider regional economy.

With 408 companies and seven countries showcasing their products and services, this year’s prime sectoral exhibition is arguably bigger and better, being hosted at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre, the heart of Bulawayo’s global exhibitions arena.

Organised in collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), the exhibition aims to showcase Zimbabwe’s unique tourism products, rich cultural heritage, and untapped opportunities, while facilitating important discussions and partnerships for the advancement of the global tourism industry.

Speaking at a press briefing yesterday, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Tongai Mnangagwa, said the exhibition comes at a time when the global tourism industry is recovering and rebuilding after the Covid-19 blight.

Taking advantage of the recovery phase, Deputy Minister Mnangagwa said the expo has the potential to create opportunities for collaboration and sustainable growth of the tourism sector.

“Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo 2024 promises to deliver an engaging and dynamic experience for exhibitors, buyers, and visitors alike. It is expected to drive new investments, partnerships, and initiatives that will contribute to the development of Zimbabwe’s tourism sector and the wider regional economy,” he said.

“Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo 2024 comes at a time when the global tourism industry is recovering and rebuilding post Covid-19. We are proud to host this prestigious event, which will not only showcase the best of Zimbabwe but also create opportunities for collaboration and sustainable growth of the tourism sector.”

The 17th edition of the exhibition is held under the theme: “Tourism and Peace” with the official opening and awards ceremony set for Friday (13 September). Zimbabwe targets to generate US$5 billion tourism revenue by next year.

The tourism sector remains a crucial element of Zimbabwe’s economy, contributing approximately 5,7 percent to the Gross Domestic Product and 3,5 percent to national employment.

In the year’s first half, the country saw a notable increase in tourism, with international arrivals growing by 27 percent to 751 483, up from 592 567 in the same period the previous year. Similarly, tourism revenue rose by 24 percent, reaching US$493 million, an increase from US$398 million in the first half of 2023.

Deputy Minister Mnangagwa said 408 companies registered to participate with seven countries also participating.

The countries include South Africa, Namibia, Malawi, Tanzania, Embassy of Iran, Angola and Nigeria. South Africa has 10 operators while Namibia brought six.

On the other hand, Botswana, Tanzania and Angola are exhibiting under the Gastronomy Hub.

Several exhibitors including tourism authorities, airlines, tour operators, and hoteliers are participating to experience Zimbabwe’s tourism offerings and explore new business opportunities.

Deputy Minister Mnangagwa said to complement the tourism sector, the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation Science and Technology Development will for  the first-time host the Tourism Scholastica Conference.

“This initiative is aimed at supporting youth in academia and exposing their ideas to the tourism community. 

“One of the key outputs of this noble initiative is to ensure sustainable fusion of Heritage Based Education 5.0 with tourism to boost tourism through innovation and enterprise development,” he said.

The hosting of the Sanganai/Hlanganani International Tourism Expo is a huge boost for economic activities around Bulawayo and downstream industries, business analysts have said.

From beefing up hotel bookings, aggregate demand in major shops and eateries, transport and logistics among others, Bulawayo City Council economic development officer Mr Kholisani Moyo said Sangani/Hlanganani is an important event for the city’s economic development drive.

“Mr Moyo said sustainable tourism includes preserving tourism and heritage sites that are available and promoting and pursuing tourism opportunities around the city.

The Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) recently said hotels and lodges in Bulawayo were experiencing a significant uptake by visitors who are coming for the expo.

Malawi deputy director of tourism Dr Noah Nansangole, who was already at the expo venue, said they have been exhibiting at the Sanganai/Hlanganani for years and have managed to learn and establish a similar platform.

“Sanganai/Hlanganani is becoming a huge international brand, which is going to be a platform where we can showcase what we have as a region,” said Dr Nansangole.

Zimbabwe and Malawi signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of tourism in 2015 and the two countries have since been enjoying cordial tourism-related working relations.

Dr Nansangole said they are looking at broadening MoU between Malawi and Zimbabwe through working together and exhibiting at events like the Sanganai/Hlanganani expo.

“Sanganai is one of the key features in our agreements where we come here to support Zimbabwe, they also come to Malawi to support us so there is that framework of inclusivity,” said Dr Nansangole.