Bulawayo, Zimbabwe (eTN) – Hundreds of Zimbabweans joined international travel buyers, sellers and journalists to commemorate the end of this year’s edition of the Sanganai World Travel and Tourism Africa Fair, Zimbabwe’s travel and tourism world exhibition.
Billed as “Africa Tourism Night,” the event was held at the main arena of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair grounds and showcased both local and international talents.
The festivities commenced with a choir performance from Bulawayo’s very own group called Shining Star. The excitement, however, reached it peak when a black Mercedes Benz pulled into the arena. Its passengers? None other than Ejike Asiegbu, Uche Jomso and Chinedu Ikedieze who traveled all the way from Abuja, Nigeria to grace the occasion.
Nigerian Information Minister said, “To the young people of Zimbabwe, this night is your night. This is for you. Thank you for coming.”
And indeed, the night was obviously geared to please the young. The vast majority of the crowd was made up of young Zimbabweans. Adults mainly sat on the benches, which flanked the VIP section where dignitaries including Zimbabwean Environment and Tourism Minister Francis Nhema and entourage sat.
The crowd’s reaction varied; most stoically sat in their seats and others congregated by the stage — some dancing, while others just stood there. That was true until the trio from Nigeria entered the arena, creating a frenzy out of the hundreds that flocked to the arena Saturday night. Most of the enthusiasm, though, was directed towards Chinedu Ikedieze, a little person who helps make up the duo “Tom and Jerry,” one of the African continent’s most beloved movie stars.
Zimbabwe’s international travel trade show has this year gathered some 700 buyers and sellers from both local and international companies. It is a jointly organized by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company.
This year marked the first time Bulawayo hosted the Sanganai World Travel and Tourism Africa Fair. Previous editions have been held in the Zimbabwean capital of Harare.
