Some foreign exhibitors from Europe who were set to exhibit at this year's Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) have cancelled bookings due to the volcanic ash from Iceland that closed most airspace links in European countries.Sources at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair told The Zimbabwean this week that individual exhibitors from Germany , Britain , China and Iran have made last minute cancellation of their bookings due to the volcanic ash.
About 30 countries closed their airspace and some have extended flight bans indefinitely.
” We have received e-mails from some exhibitors indicating that they are stranded at various airports in Europe. Although we really sympathizes with them this is a big loss to our organization. Its now too late to rope in other exhibitors,” said a ZITF official who refused to be named.
The official said those affected mainly were exhibitors from European and Asian countries.
” The tourism expo A’ sambe Africa which concurrently runs with the fair have also been affected. As for the exactly number affected I still have to check with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) as they are the ones who organizes the expo,” said the official.
A’ sambe Africa is multi sectorial and mult international trade exhibition which target among other groups hospitality players, tourism agents and airliners.
The city’s major hotels have also been affected by the volcanic ash which experts say might shift until late this week.
” We have cancelled some bookings from clients in Germany but I am not sure if the cancellations are a result of the volcanic ash which you are talking.
Please if you want more information call our headoffice,”said a worker at Crest Churchill ‘s reservation office.
A total of 750 companies and organizations have confirmed their participation at this year’s trade fair.
Iranian, president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is expected to open the trade fair on Friday .
Ahmadinejad is the first president outside Africa to officially open the annul trade expo.
About 40 countries from Iran are also expected to exhibit at the fair.
Post published in: Economy