-Sanganai Hlanganani World Tourism Expo is a significant platform for highlighting the immense potential of the tourism industry in the region, an SAA official said.
John Cassim
Harare, Zimbabwe (CZ) – South African Airways (SAA), a leading airline in Africa, has expressed great enthusiasm for the upcoming Sanganai Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, scheduled to take place in Zimbabwe’s second capital, Bulawayo from October 12th to 14th.
“The Sanganai Hlanganani World Tourism Expo serves as a significant platform for highlighting the immense potential of the tourism industry in the region. SAA is delighted to have South Africa Tourism, along with representatives from the nine provinces and various individual companies, showcasing their offerings at this prestigious event,” Julia Rewayi, the Country Manager of South African Airways in Zimbabwe.
Rewayi said, SAA, in collaboration with both SA Tourism and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, is committed to spurring the growth of traffic between the two neighboring countries.
“We celebrate the fact that both South Africa and Zimbabwe experienced significant increases in tourist arrivals in 2022,” she said.
South Africa registered over half a million visitors from Zimbabwe, while Zimbabwe received over 230 thousand tourists from South Africa.
“These numbers underscore the symbiotic trade relations that exist between the two countries, which are exceptional for the aviation sector. SAA has historically played a critical role in providing air access and strengthening these relationships,” added Rewayi.
“This expo provides an excellent opportunity for SAA to showcase our exceptional services, extensive network, and the unique travel experiences we offer. In doing so, we aim to highlight the captivating attractions and destinations within both Zimbabwe and South Africa, as well as the seamless connectivity we provide to destinations around the world,” said Rewayi.
Julia Rewayi added that the SAA office in Zimbabwe eagerly anticipates engaging with industry stakeholders, fostering partnerships, and exploring opportunities for collaboration during the expo.
She believes that events like the Sanganai Hlanganani World Tourism Expo play a pivotal role in promoting tourism, driving economic growth, and establishing sustainable relationships within the travel industry.
“South African Airways takes pride in taking part in this remarkable event and looks forward to actively contributing to the success of the Sanganai Hlanganani World Tourism Expo. We encourage all attendees to visit our booth and discover the exceptional experiences and services that South African Airways offers,” she said.
SAA Voyager boasts more than 30 airline partnerships, including the Star Alliance global network, which gives members access to over 50 global hubs to offer smooth connections across a world-leading global network. SAA was the first African airline to join Star Alliance in 2006.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s Sanganai Hlanganani World Tourism Expo will this year be held after a global tourism indaba for ministers, travel and tourism industry executives, and experts from September 27 to 28 in Saudi Arabia.
The Indaba will emphasise the potential of tourism and explore options for collaboration to encourage the sector’s growth, putting people, the planet, and prosperity front and center of proceedings.
World Tourism Day 2023 will examine the role of investment in people and the planet to secure livelihoods and foster mutual understanding, as well as opportunities to extend the reach of the industry’s economic and social impact to more people around the world, ensuring prosperity for all.
According to the WTTC, the worldwide tourism sector will contribute US$9.5 trillion to GDP by 2023.
This is consistent with the UNWTO‘s prediction that tourism will reach 80% to 95% of pre-pandemic levels this year, and is largely projected to exceed 2019 levels in 2024.