ZITF 2021 trade expo kicks off tomorrow

ZITF 2021 trade expo kicks off tomorrow

Letwin Mubonesi

All is set for the annual trade expo to kick-start tomorrow in Bulawayo with local authorities confirming their readiness for the event.

Deputy Mayor Mlandu Ncube said that preparatory work was at an advanced stage and was happy that Zimbabwe International Trade Fair is back after the cancellation last year following Covid-19 outbreak.

The annual trade expo will run from September 21 then to 24 September under strict COVID-19 health protocols and this year’s edition will be held under the theme ‘Showcasing the New Normal for Business and Industry: Realities and Opportunities’.

The expo aims to bring normalcy and stability in business and industry after the disruption by the COVID-19 pandemic since last year.

A total of eleven countries and 357 exhibitors have confirmed their participation, this is excluding children under the age of 18 who are not allowed to attend the event.

Ncube said, “We are happy that ZITF is coming. We are ready to welcome visitors. Our roads are being rehabilitated; facilities such as hotels are being inspected to make sure they follow COVID-19 health protocols. Their (visitors) health is our priority.

We urge them to visit our heritage sites such as Inxwala and the Hanging Tree”.

Furthermore, the tourism and hospitality industry in Bulawayo is happy to welcome the ZITF trade expo this year amid positive local business prospects.

The city of Bulawayo benefits from this expo with hotels and local lodges benefitting from providing accommodation as well as other services to local and international guests.

Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe President, Mr Clive Chinwada said despite tight Covid-19 regulations in put in place, major hotels and lodges in Bulawayo were fully booked for the ZITF event.

He said, “Although the ZITF company has announced that there will be limited numbers of people who will attend the expo, major hotels in Bulawayo are fully booked though there are a few small players in the industry that have not registered 100 percent occupancy”.