Africa’s largest tourism show the Travel Indaba will run from 8-10 May this year. This will see the continent showcasing its’ wide variety of top drawer tourism products and attract international buyers and media from across the globe. This convergence also provides a business and policy platform forum for African Tourism Ministers each year.
Zimbabwe has been a consistent participant at the prestigious Indaba since inception 30 years ago. This year the country will participate with a record of 32 tourism operators on its national stand. The exceptional response is a true reflection that Zimbabwe is open and ready for business. Various Zimbabwean Tourism operators have expressed optimism that travel into Zimbabwe will increase as the government reengages most of the markets who were shunning Zimbabwe for the past decade. A number of Zimbabwe tour operators have also secured their own exhibition stands at Indaba which will enhance Zimbabwe participation.
This year, the Zimbabwe delegation will be led by the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Honourable Priscah Mupfumira.
The Chief Executive of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), Dr Karikoga Kaseke said he is delighted by the enthusiasm shown by the local operators.
“We have over the years lost substantial amounts of business from the South African market. We must take remedial action without further delay, we need to act swiftly. We are going to South Africa to regain the market share we lost. The level of participation of the tourism players from Zimbabwe is very encouraging and I know Zimbabwe is going to make a huge impact at the Africa’s Travel Indaba this year. I am very happy that the smaller operators are now also seeing that marketing their products at these big travel shows will assist their businesses to grow.”