LARGE DELEGATION FROM ZIMBABWE MAKES AN APPEARANCE AT ITB2017
(Posted 07th February 2017)
The Minister of Tourism and the Hospitality Industry, Dr. Eng. Walter Mzembi is leading a Zimbabwe delegation to the International Travel Bourse to be held in Berlin, Germany. The expo which has attracted over 185 countries and thousands of exhibitors kicks off tomorrow 08th of March and is ending on 12th of March.
Commenting on Zimbabwe’s participation at this global tourism exposition, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Head of Corporate Affairs Mr Sugar Chagonda said all is now set for the show and Zimbabwe is raring to go.
‘We are very much excited to be participating at this year’s edition of ITB Berlin. We defied all odds and prevailed over the obtaining challenges to maintain our presence in the European Market. The Zimbabwe delegation comprising the Minister, officials from the ZTA and the private sector is already on the ground in Germany ready for the expo‘ said Chagonda.
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority spokesperson added that a total of fifteen companies from Zimbabwe are exhibiting at the ITB Berlin and these include the African Bush Camps, African Sun Hotels, Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe, Rainbow Tourism Group, Shearwater Victoria Falls, Sikiliza Adventures, The Amalinda Collection, Wilderness Safaris, Zambezi Cruise Safaris, Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and Zimbabwetravel.info.
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Chief Executive, Mr Karikoga Kaseke paid homage to the Zimbabwe tourism operators participating at the fair and expressed optimism that they will consolidate and grow their market share by securing lucrative business deals. The ZTA boss added that Zimbabwe’s participation at the ITB Berlin and other related International travel fairs is premised on the need for continuous investment in aggressive marketing in order for the tourism sector to achieve the projected growth rate.
Germany contributes a significant 18% of European arrivals into Zimbabwe and ranks 3rd after the United States of America and the UK, contributing 26.355 arrivals recorded in the year 2015. This however is still a drop from the 76 000 arrivals attained in 1999, which was Zimbabwe’s peak tourism year hence the need for aggressive marketing to regain the lost market share.
Over 10 000 exhibitors are attending this global forum which is also attracting cities, tour operators, airlines, hotels and various services advancing tourism businesses which makes it a significant and must attend show for any destination targeting the European market.
More information about Destination Zimbabwe can be sourced via www.zimbabwetourism.net
