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Herald Reporter
The Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe (TBCZ) is optimistic that this year’s edition of Sanganai/Hlanganani World Travel Expo will be a success.

The premier expo runs from September 12 to 14.

TBCZ chief executive Mr Paul Matamisa yesterday said; “We are hoping that this year’s Sanganai/ Hlanganani will be a success considering the enthusiasm and resilience of the businesses and service providers.

“Our only concern at the moment is whether or not there will be enough fuel for businesses to take their merchandise and products to the fair. It is not a question of filling up stands, but to be able to do business since this is the biggest tourism market in the country.”

Mr Matamisa said they engaged Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) over fuel shortages and they were positive a solution would be found before, during and after the expo.

About 250 exhibitors have confirmed participation in this year’s expo, where 20 other countries are participating.

Tourism remains one of the major pillars of the economy following Government’s engagement and re-engagement programme with all countries of the world.

The short-term economic blueprint, the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP), identifies tourism as a critical piece of the puzzle for the attainment of Vision 2030 of an upper-middle income society where citizens have per capita incomes of US$3 500 and decent jobs.

Since the coming in of the New Dispensation led by President Mnangagwa, tourism has been on an upward trajectory as tourists have a new perspective of the country, especially following the vigorous re-engagement strategy and the “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” policy.

So far, over 350 Chinese tourists have visited the country following agreements signed between Zimbabwe and the People’s Republic of China.

The comprehensive strategic partnership saw the commencement of a five-year plan which will see over 10 000 tourists visiting Zimbabwe from China.

This means an average of 350 tourists will come to Zimbabwe on a monthly basis. Among the tourists are journalists who will experience Zimbabwean hospitality and share the story to the world.

The deal, which is set to make Zimbabwe more accessible, was born out of the memorandum of understanding signed between the Ministry of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry and Touchroad International Holdings Group in China during President Mnangagwa’s inaugural State visit in May 2018.