The 17th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani – World Tourism Expo is set to take place in Bulawayo from September 12 to 14, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the tourism sector. With more than 400 companies and eight countries already registered, this year’s expo promises to be a major event in the African tourism calendar.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Honourable Barbra Rwodzi, speaking at a media briefing in Harare, highlighted the expo’s role in unlocking investment opportunities for tourism stakeholders. She expressed enthusiasm about the event, noting that it aims to become a pivotal tourism exhibition in Africa. The expo will not only showcase the best of Zimbabwean tourism but also offer a platform for regional countries to present their investment opportunities and tourism products.
Over the past five years, the Sanganai/Hlanganani expo has become a crucial initiative for promoting Bulawayo’s tourism industry, particularly benefiting small operators who may not have the means to attend international travel shows. By bringing buyers directly to Bulawayo, the expo provides these local businesses with significant exposure and potential growth opportunities.
This year, the expo will feature several new and exciting components. Among them are elaborate sustainable tourism initiatives and a gastronomy tourism showcase, which aim to represent the entire tourism value chain. For the first time, the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science, and Technology Development will introduce Tourism Innovation Hubs. This initiative is designed to support youth in academia by exposing their innovative ideas, such as the production of fresh organic juices from indigenous fruits, to a global audience.
Additionally, the MICE Masterclass will be a notable addition, focusing on enhancing the capabilities of stakeholders in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. Experts from across Africa will convene to discuss strategies for MICE tourism development and growth.
As the expo approaches, exhibitor recruitment continues to progress well. To date, 410 companies have registered, with notable participation from countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, Tanzania, the Embassy of Iran, Angola, and Nigeria. South Africa and Botswana will each bring 10 operators, while Namibia will contribute 6 operators. Unfortunately, Rwanda and Mozambique will not participate this year due to financial constraints.
Overall, the Sanganai/Hlanganani – World Tourism Expo 2024 is set to be a landmark event, reinforcing Bulawayo’s position as a key player in the African tourism industry. The expo’s diverse range of activities and its focus on investment and innovation underscore its importance as a platform for growth and collaboration in the tourism sector.
