Published by the government of Zimbabwe
28 October 2008
Harare — ZIMBABWE'S tourism sector is expected to rake in an additional US$140 million in revenue by September 2009, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive Mr Karikoga Kaseke has said.
In an interview, Mr Kaseke said according to the projections made after the successful Sanganai/Hlanganani World Travel and Tourism Africa Fair held in Bulawayo last week, the country would record an upsurge in tourist arrivals in 2009.
"We expect to raise an additional US$130 million to US$140 million, bringing the total revenue to almost US$550 million from tourist receipts," Mr Kaseke said.
Mr Kaseke said the travel and tourism fair was a success and it would generate more business for the tourism sector.
"We are very happy as we received 298 international buyers and 619 exhibitors from 53 countries throughout the world. So you can see we had a big response showing that those who came have confidence not only in the travel showcase, but Zimbabwe's tourism," he said.
He said ZTA had only invited 221 international buyers but 77 more buyers came on their own volition, a show of confidence in Zimbabwe.
Mr Kaseke said the buyers and exhibitors were from Zimbabwe's targeted markets such as the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Canada, Russia, the United States of America, China, Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand.
He said that the change of venue from the capital to Zimbabwe's second city was a major drawcard.
Other buyers and exhibitors who participated were from regional target markets such as South Africa, Ghana, Angola, Nigeria and Namibia while others were from potential markets in the Middle East including the Arab Emirates, Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait also attended.
Mr Kaseke said the travel fair had managed to improve its international participants by over 50 percent compared to last year.
He said that the change of venue from the capital to the second largest city in Zimbabwe's was a major draw-card.
"This gave exhibitors quality stands. We also want to thank the participants for putting up the good work," he said.
Mr Kaseke said the fair also afforded buyers and exhibitors to exchange views and ideas on tourism.
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