WAIVING OF VISA REQUIREMENTS TO TANZANIA

South Africans travelling to Tanzania on holiday or business no longer require visas - and vice-versa.

This significant move for co-operation between the two countries results from a bilateral country-to-country discussions and agreements.

Serena Hotels, a premier hotel, lodges and safari group in East Africa, has welcomed this development and expects it to play a key role in increasing interest in travel to Tanzania and growing the number of South African visitors to the country.

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TOURISM MINISTERS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA MEET IN MOZAMBIQUE

As 2013 comes to an end, the Tourism Minister of SADC, the Southern Africa block, met in Maputo, Mozambique, to plan the way forward for RETOSA, their region's dedicated tourism organization.

It was the Prime Minister of Mozambique who personally addressed the Tourism Minister's Meeting and opened the working session. This showed the importance of the tourism industry for Mozambique. The Prime Minister of Mozambique addressed the SADC Ministers of Tourism in the presence of the Governor of Maputo.

Most of the SADC Ministers of Tourism were present for this important end-of-year meeting. Apart from the host, Minister of Mozambique, Ministers from South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Seychelles, Angola, Namibia, Lesotho, and Swaziland were all present, as well as senior executives of tourism from DRC, Tanzania, and Botswana. Mauritius was represented by their High Commissioner based in Mozambique.

Source: eTurboNews, www.eturbonews.com 

BULK OF ASIAN TOURISTS EYE AFRICAN MARKET

The Asia Pacific region will be the leading tourist source market for African destinations next year. This is according to Visa’s Sub Saharan Africa Global Travel Intentions Study for 2013. It is estimated that 43 per cent of people in the Asia Pacific region, which includes Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand, intend to travel to Africa within the next year. The survey also showed that traditional source markets, the Americas and Europe, would account for four and 19 per cent respectively of visitors arriving in Africa in 2014. Africa and the Middle East meanwhile will account for a combined 34 per cent, the report adds.

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WHY COST OF AIR TRAVEL IS EXPENSIVE IN AFRICA?

The 45th African Airlines Annual General Assembly 2013, Mombasa, Kenya.
Players in the aviation industry blame high cost of air travel in Africa to inadequate support by governments. Air operators gathered in Mombasa for the 45th African airlines annual general assembly yesterday decried lack of adequate investment by governments in national carriers had led to a decline in growth of the sector and ensured “air transport remains a preserve of the rich”.

Led by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), they contrasted the period between 1980s and 1990s, where Africa had at least 26 states with airlines flying intercontinental routes to and from Africa to now where the number of airlines have reduced to only about a dozen.

“We need the African Union and African States to help reverse this through the full implementation of Yammoussoukro Declaration on the full liberalisation of the sector, and ensuring a common African negotiating position since the EU negotiates as a block while African states negotiate individually,” said AFRAA Secretary General Dr Elijah Chingosho.

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Travelport marks 15 years in Tanzania with new BCD Winglink Travel deal

Mr. Mark Meehan

(MENAFN Press) Travelport “ a leading distribution services and e-commerce provider for the global travel industry “ has announced the renewal of its 15-year relationship with BCD Winglink Travel, one of the leading travel agencies in Tanzania. The news cements the long-standing partnership between the two companies, as Travelport marks the 15th anniversary of its operations in the east African country.
Through the new agreement, Travelport will continue to provide BCD Winglink Travel with access to its Galileo distribution platform and industry leading products and solutions. These include Travelport Smartpoint search and booking tool, Agentivity “ Travelport's business intelligence suite for travel agents “ and Travelport Mobile Agent, the unique mobile Global Distribution Systems (GDS) application that enables agents to gain full access to Travelport content from their iPad or iPhone device anytime, anywhere.

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THE NEW SURVEY SHOWS TOP CONCERNS FOR TOURIST TO EAST AFRICAN COUNTIRES

Safety and health issues are the major factors hampering the growth of tourism in Africa, a new report says. The Visa Global Travel Intentions Survey 2013, notes that countries seeking to increase visitor numbers should look to develop these areas and further communicate the improved safety and health standards to potential visitors.

"Out of 12,631 travelers, 45 per cent pointed to safety, while 29 per cent pointed to health as concerns hindering them from traveling to Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania," the report said. 53 per cent of the travelers are concerned with safety when travelling to Rwanda, the report said.

DID YOU KNOW?

Seasoned travellers from Europe as well as affluent travellers show more interest in exploring the new horizons of East Africa, whilst first time travellers and those from emerging economies need some more time to warm up to the idea.

The allure of East Africa

The uncharted territories of East Africa are increasingly drawing the attention of future travellers. Despite safety and health issues, which were cited as top concerns for the region, the attraction of safaris, Eco-tourism and a rich cultural experience are key magnets for tourists.

Top 3 concerns with visiting Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania

                              Kenya    Rwanda  Tanzania

Safety reasons        47%      49%         43%

Never considered it 36%     39%         39%

Health concerns      32%     28%         26%

               Base: (9721) Base: (11514) Base: (10457)

Top 3 activities respondents will consider in Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania

                                               Kenya Rwanda Tanzania

Safari                                       66%    40%        51%

Eco-tourism and culture tours   52%     46%        47%

Animal trekking                        52%     38%        42%

SOURCE;

The Visa Global Travel Intentions Survey 2013

THE PRINCESS OF SAUDI ARABIA HAIFA BIN ABDULAZIZI VISITED TANAPA HEADQUARTER, ARUSHA

Princess Haifa Bin AbdulAzizi of Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Tanzania H.E. Hani Mominah (middle) inspired by the statue of the Father of Nation the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere at the reception of the TANAPA Headquarters in Arusha. First right is the TANAPA’s Public Relations Manager Pascal Shelutete.

Princess Haifa Bin AbdulAzizi of Saudi Arabia signs the guest book at the TANAPA Headquarter, Arusha.
Ambassador Hani Mominah (left) and Princess Haifa Bin AbdulAzizi of Saudi Arabia in a meeting with the Director General of Tanzania National Park, Mr. Allen Kijazi.

 Princess Haifa and her delegation in a discussion with the Management of TANAPA .
 SOURCE; TANAPA Website.

Tanzania: Tourism Firm in Serengeti Goes for Youth Education

Having dedicated and qualified staff offering hospitality and tour guide services is paramount for the development of tourism sector in western Serengeti and elsewhere in Tanzania.

The tourism sector in western Serengeti has of late registered significant progress that needs competent workers, according to serious investors operating in the area. It's the only place with the highest number of classic tourist and tented camps in Mara Region.

The facilities belong to serious investors targeting thousands of tourists flocking into the Serengeti ecosystem to view wildlife.

Singita Grumeti Reserves (SGR), an exclusive tourism company, has already started supporting young men and women pursue tourism courses in a bid to enhance hospitality services in western Serengeti.

SGR operates several luxurious lodges and tented camps that have been set up by US billionaire Paul Tudor Jones in Western Serengeti. The American has invested heavily in tourism and conservation sectors in Tanzania after falling in love with the Serengeti ecosystem.

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TANZANIA AND CHINA CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP AND USHER IN TOURISM COOPERATION

TANZANIA (eTN) - Next year is set to see China and Tanzania coming together to celebrate 50 years of friendship and economic cooperation, with tourism becoming a new area which the two countries are looking to share.

Sino-Tanzania cooperation grew roots in early years of Tanzania’s independence, thanks to the first President of Tanzania, the late Dr. Julius Nyerere and his Chinese counterpart, Mao Zedong.

Though travel and tourism were not manifested in Sino-Tanzania during those years, China became a good friend with Tanzania in areas covering investment in agriculture, transport, import and export trade.

Recent reports from Beijing quoted the Chinese Prime minister Li Keqiang saying China and Tanzania will mark the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties come 2014.

Li said China is willing to work out strategic plans with Tanzania and promote cooperation on major projects shared between these friendly nations, located in two different continents.

"China will continue to provide assistance for Tanzania within its capacity and hopes this East African country will offer support to Chinese enterprises”, Li said.

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THE NORTHERN SERENGETI IS BECOMING AS BUSY AS THE CENTRAL PART(SERONERA VALLEY) IN TOURIST ACTIVITIES

The establishment of different tourist facilities like Airstrips, luxury tented camps, season camps and a hot balloon (ADVENTURES ALOFT BALLOON SAFARIS) make the northern part of the Serengeti National Park becoming busy as the Central part, the Seronera Valley.

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DO YOU KNOW RUAHA NATIONAL PARK NAMED BEST WINTER TRIP OF 2013 BY THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE?

National Geographic magazine, the official journal of the National Geographic Society included Ruhaha National Park in Tanzania among the Best Winters Trips 2013.

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10 THINGS TO DO WHILST IN TANZANIA

Tanzania is famous for its rich diversity in wildlife and offers plenty to see and do making it one of the continent’s most popular destinations; here are the top 10 things to do whilst in Tanzania:

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DO YOU KNOW SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK IS 2013 WINNER OF THE INTERNATIONAL AWARD IN TOURISM, HOTEL AND CATERING INDUSTRY?

Early this year, The international businessmen group Global Trade Leaders Club has selected the Serengeti National Park as the global winner of the 2013 International Award in Tourism, Hotel and Catering Industry.

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YOU WILL NEVER BE DISAPPOINTED TO VISIT NGORONGORO CRATER, TANZANIA

The Ngorongoro Crater is where you'll witness some of the densest population of wildlife in the world and it's a truly amazing place for photographers.