Ebola Scares Off Sanganai Exhibitors

The Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Walter Mzembi, has castigated organisations that issue travel warnings yet they are not mandated to do so.

Zimbabwe has been adversely affected by organisations exaggerating the reach of the Ebola virus with a number of conferences having been downgraded from their global stature.

Speaking at the official opening of Sanganai-Hlanganani World Travel and Tourism Africa Fair 2014, Mzembi said despite global recognition of Zimbabwe as a prime tourist destination, there are some that continue to denigrate the country.

“We recently had two conferences that were downgraded from being global conferences as a result of individuals who uttered reckless statements on the country despite them not having authority to do so,” said Cde Mzembi.

Individuals and entities involved in the tourism sector also received various accolades for their efforts in spearheading the development of Zimbabwe’s tourism.

Outstanding were Khanondo Safaris which scooped the best tour operator and Zimbabwe stand, whilst India won the best overall and international stand.

South African tour operators won the outstanding buyer and first runner up prizes.

The curtain on the Sanganai-Hlanganani World Travel and Tourism Africa Fair comes down on Saturday.

ZBC