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In an interview, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) executive director for marketing Mrs Tesa Chikaponya said preparations for the exhibition were at an advanced stage.

She said ZTA was ready to host the tourism expo from 18 to 21 October in Harare.

“Basically we are ready to host the tourism fair. So far, 257 exhibition stands have already been booked translating to 1 200 exhibitors as you might be aware that two or more companies will be exhibiting on one stand,” she said.

This year’s tourism fair will be held under the theme: “Celebrating African Tourism Diversity”.

“There has been a marked increase of exhibition space taken up this year compared to three years ago. We are sitting on 6 000 square metres compared to 4 336 square metres and 3 904 square metres in 2011 and 2010 respectively,” said Mrs Chikaponya, adding that 85 foreign exhibitors have so far confirmed participation at the event.

The exhibitors are expected from regional countries such as South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Malawi as well as Europe, America and Asia.

“We also have buyers from Germany,  United Kingdom, South America and other African countries.”

During the Sanganai/Hlanganani tourism fair an all-stakeholders forum will be held to discuss issues that promote growth and development.

“We are expecting stakeholders from all economic sectors to attend the forum where issues on how tourism can be advanced will be discussed,” she said.

This year’s fair is critical as it is a chance for the country to market itself to the outside world ahead of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) general assembly to be held in August next year.

Zimbabwe and Zambia last year won the bid to co-host the UNWTO general assembly.