THE just-ended ninth edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Africa Expo can be aptly described in two words — failure and success.
BY MTHANDAZO NYONI
The fair, which ran from June 16 to 18 at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre, was characterised by shambolic preparations.
Government chipped in with funding at the eleventh hour compromising the preparations of the major event.
Besides, the event was not adequately publicised, to an extent that many locals did not know about it.
Coming to the show itself, the first traders’ day was subdued, with exhibitors complaining of low business.
The exhibitors hoped that the second day would be better, but alas, it was not.
The first two days of the fair were characterised by poor public turnout due to poor advertising of the event.
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Some buyers, who had promised to meet the exhibitors, chickened out at the eleventh hour.
“The idea was good, but the buyers we had made appointments with didn’t turn up. In my case, I had made appointments with 35 international buyers but only 11 came,” a Bulawayo-based lodge owner who preferred anonymity, said.
“We don’t know whether they came for the fair or not. If they didn’t come, it then means the fair was a flop for us. We were only entertaining locals. Besides, some lodges in Bulawayo have no occupancy from this Sanganai because ZTA (Zimbabwe Tourism Authority) provided accommodation to some of the buyers. In my own case, I had only one client and as such I can say the fair was not a success. In fact, it was an expense because I printed banners and paid for space.”
The exhibitor, however, said if more buyers had turned up as promised by the organisers, it was going to be an exciting fair.
Some exhibitors complained of low public turnout. They blamed the organisers of failing to market the event to locals.
Wozani Lodge exhibitor, Bester Dube, said the business was subdued particularly on the second day. She, however, said they managed to market themselves to international buyers.
She complained of international buyers who had promised to visit their stand but failed.
“Today (Friday), we had an appointment with six buyers, but only three came and we don’t know why,” she said.
An assistant director, who identified herself, as Rao in the ministry of Tourism from India, also bemoaned the low public turnout.
“It was very quiet since people did not turn up in their numbers. However, we managed to give out information about India to people who didn’t know much about us,” she said.
Her sentiments were echoed by a Botswana-based exhibitor, Kenelwe Lekgoba, who said the attendance was not good and unsatisfactory.
“The fair is a good platform for business, but it was fairly attended,” she said.
Speaking at the official opening of the event, Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko noted with concern that the preparations for the fair were hampered by lack of funding.
“I know it has not been an easy road for the ZTA to bring Sanganai/Hlanganani back to Bulawayo, especially given the financial constraints, which obviously negatively affected the preparations for this showcase,” he said.
“Sanganai/Hlanganani is of national importance and should, thus, continue to enjoy full government support, as is the case with all other travel shows in the region such as Indaba, South Africa, Zambia Travel Expo, Namibia Tourism Expo and Descubra Mozambique Tourism Expo.”
Mphoko said he would engage the relevant arms of government to impress upon them that the staging of such mega events required a lot of advance planning, as well as adequate and timeous disbursements of funds.
However, to some the fair was quite good, in spite of the depressed attendances.
Odyssey Leisure exhibitor, Wadzanai Goronga said the fair was an eye opener for the starters.
“We interacted with international buyers and we got to know each other. We were grateful for being part of this fair. We would like to urge others who did not make to consider coming next time,” he said.
Goronga urged locals to embrace such events, adding there was need for people to support each other.
Malawi-based Land and Lake Safaris official, Rollings Moyo said even though it was their first time to attend such an event, they managed to market themselves fully.
“We are considering attending the fair next time,” he said.
The fair is the successor of Shanyai/Vakatshani, the Zimbabwe International Travel Expo that was held annually at the Harare International Conference Centre.
ZTA chief executive officer Karikoga Kaseke said, the fair attracted 236 exhibitors — an increase from 128 companies that graced the fair last year in Harare.
Out of the 236 exhibitors, 35 were foreign from 11 countries.
Last year’s expo attracted 19 foreign exhibitors, 128 buyers and they were coming from traditional markets of Europe and Africa especially South Africa.
