Africa Sports Legacy (ASL), a UK-based sports organisation, will attend this year’s Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo in October, reports The Herald.

The Expo, which attracts international visitors, is an annual tourism trade fair organised by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) and showcases a wide variety of Africa's tourism products. 

The 15th Expo – which provides stakeholders with business opportunities from international source markets – will take place from October 13-15, with the Sports Tourism conference commencing on the first day. 

The ZTA and the Zimbabwean Olympic Committee (ZOC) have already partnered with ASL, and ASL founder and world athletics elite coach, Stanley ‘Fresh’ Madiri, will deliver a keynote address as the country seeks to increase its sports tourism sector.

“The ZTA has teamed-up with Africa Sports Legacy, a UK-based entity leading the charge re-imagining how the business of sport is understood and executed in the sports tourism and allied sectors,” read the statement from ASL.

“Despite sport being a proven force, which provides opportunities for economic development of individuals, communities and a nation at large, Zimbabwe’s own potential is arguably yet to be realised. 

“ASL’s local partner is the ZOC, who appreciate and endorse ASL’s perspective and strategies for beginner, developer and performance sports through the business of sports tourism.

“Among ASL’s international partners taking part in the conference are New York-based, Africa Tourism Association (ATA), whose main business is to drive international tourism on to the African continent. ATA was a key player in the support and activation of NBA Africa.

“The conference’s end goal is to learn the strategies to promote sport and tourism in overseas, continental, regional, and domestic markets for economic recovery and growth through the proven power of the business that lies in sport.

“Among the expected delegates are thought leaders, decision-makers, proven practitioners, and entrepreneurs within the sport and tourism ecosystems, both in the private and public sector.”

The ZOC posted on Facebook that it had already signed a four-year MoU with ASL.

“The purpose of the MoU is to translate the business that lies in sport into sustainable sports performance, health and wellness through Sports Tourism,” read the ZOC post.