The Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe says it remains optimistic that this year’s edition of Sanganai Hlanganani World Travel Expo slated for September 12 to 14 will be a success. Zimbabwe’s tourism industry has been enjoying a purple patch since November last year due to the positive perception the country has had since the coming into power of the new dispensation led by President Mnangagwa. In an interview, TBCZ chief executive, Mr Paul Matamisa said they had high hopes of a resounding success in Bulawayo. “We are hoping that this year’s Sanganai Hlanganani will be a success considering the enthusiasm and resilience of the businesses and service providers.
“However, 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.
He said the issue of fuel had an impact on the ease of doing business.
“We have since taken up the issue of fuel with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and we believe they are working flat to ensure that fuel is available before, during and after Sanganai Hlanganani,” he said. TBCZ is the voice of the businesses in tourism and travel in Zimbabwe. Tourism remains one of the major pillars of the economy following Government’s re-engagement, reconstruction and Transitional Stabilisation Programme to ensure that Vision 2030 was attainable. The Second Republic has been generating renewed confidence and interest throughout the world as a result of a vibrant reengagement strategy and Zimbabwe is open for business mantra. So far over 350 Chinese tourists 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 tourist will come to Zimbabwe on a monthly basis. Among the tourists are journalists who will experience the Zimbabwean hospitality and share the story to the world. The inaugural flight, which is set to make destination Zimbabwe more accessible, was born out of the MOU signed between the Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Ministry and Touchroad International Holdings Group in China during His Excellency, President Mnangagwa’s inaugural state visit in May 2018. Since the signing of the agreement, there has been an increase in Chinese arrivals to Zimbabwe with 14 407 arrivals recorded in 2017 with the number rising to 19 428 in 2018. The Tour Africa-The New Horizon Tourism Project is a grand opportunity that is meant to open the Chinese market to destination Zimbabwe.