The Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo is back for its 17th edition, and this year’s event promises to be the biggest and best yet.
Taking place from September 12-14, 2024, in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, the expo is a must-attend event for tourism lovers, industry professionals, and anyone looking to explore the beauty and diversity of African tourism.
According to Babra Rwodzi, the Minister of Tourism, “The Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo is a premier event in the African tourism calendar.
It provides a platform for small tourism operators to showcase their products and services, and connects them with potential customers and investors.”
Minister Rwodzi added, “This year’s expo will focus on sustainable tourism initiatives, including a gastronomy tourism showcase.
We believe that sustainable tourism practices are essential for the growth and development of the tourism industry in Africa.”
The expo has been bringing buyers to the doorstep of small tourism operators for five years, providing them with an opportunity to connect with potential customers and grow their businesses.
As the Minister noted, “The expo has been instrumental in promoting the tourism industry in Bulawayo, and has provided a platform for small operators to showcase their products and services.”
This year’s expo will feature a strong focus on sustainable tourism initiatives, including a gastronomy tourism showcase.
The event will highlight the importance of sustainable tourism practices and provide a platform for exhibitors to share their experiences and innovations in this area.
The Minister emphasised, “Sustainable tourism practices are essential for the growth and development of the tourism industry in Africa.
We must ensure that our tourism practices are environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and economically viable.”
The expo will also feature a MICE Masterclass, aimed at capacitating all stakeholders on MICE tourism promotion.
The masterclass will bring together MICE experts from across Africa to deliberate on pertinent issues regarding MICE tourism development and growth.
According to the Minister, “MICE tourism is a growing sector in Africa, and we must ensure that we have the necessary skills and expertise to develop and promote this sector.”
The Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation Science and Technology Development will be featuring Tourism Innovation Hubs for the first time at the expo.
This initiative aims to support youth in academia and expose their ideas to the global community.
One of the key beneficiaries of this initiative is the production of fresh organic juices from indigenous fruits.
Minister Rwodzi noted, “We must support innovation and entrepreneurship in the tourism industry, particularly among young people.
This will ensure that we have a sustainable and vibrant tourism industry in the future.”
Exhibitor recruitment is already in progress, with 410 companies registered to participate at Sanganai/Hlanganani 2024.
The expo has also attracted international exhibitors from eight countries, including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, Tanzania, Iran, Angola, and Nigeria.
The Minister said, “We are pleased with the response from exhibitors, and we expect a strong turnout at this year’s expo.”
The expo has confirmed 101 hosted buyers and media from around the world, including Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
The event will also feature a number of international media outlets, including TV stations, newspapers, and online publications.
According to the Minister, “We are pleased to have a strong media presence at this year’s expo.
This will help to promote the tourism industry in Zimbabwe and Africa, and provide a platform for exhibitors to showcase their products and services.”
The Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo 2024 is an event not to be missed.
With its focus on sustainable tourism initiatives, tourism innovation hubs, and MICE tourism promotion, the expo promises to be a celebration of African tourism.
As the Minister noted, “We invite all stakeholders in the tourism industry to attend this year’s expo, and to be part of the celebration of African tourism.”