Conference to discuss sustainable regional tourism

At least nine countries are to participate in a two day- international conference on sustainable tourism in developing countries (ICST-DC 2014) to deliberate on the way forward for the attainment of sustainable development of the industry in Africa.
Kicking off tomorrow in Dar es Salaam, the conference will be presided over by Tourism and Natural Resources Minister, Lazaro Nyalandu.
It is organised by the Department of Marketing at the University of Dar es Salaam and has drawn together researchers and tourism industry experts from Uganda, Kenya, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom, USA and the host Tanzania.
Over 100 delegates are expected, according to the organizing committee Chairman Dr Isaac Allanwho told reporters in Dar es Salaam yesterday.
Allan went on to note that the symposium will among other things, seek areas to enable the tourism sector contribute to the improvement of livelihoods of the wananchi of a particular country.
“Tourism operations need to be governed appropriately to realize its contribution … it’s under the same spirit that a continued research on best practices that include how to undertake relevant mechanisms and policies is emphasized,” he said.
ICST-DC intends to provide a unique international forum and an opportunity for local and international researchers, practitioners and policy makers to exchange ideas, share experiences and disseminate research findings and practical lessons in the areas of tourism, hospitality and service management, he said.
He pointed out expected areas of focus at the meeting as, Tourism and poverty alleviation, value-chain analysis in tourism, marketing sustainable tourism and alternative tourism development in developing countries and tourism and developing economies.
Dr Dev Jani, a UDSM lecturer, said emphasis will also be placed on peace and threats resulting from civil wars, terrorism and political or religious conflicts on how they have been impacting the development of the tourism industry on the continent.
Conference Coordinator, Dr John Philemon clarified that the silence of government (Tanzania) and Burundi on the question of adaptation of a single tourism visa scheme doesn’t mean they are against the integration, but rather, they are simply reviewing the pros and cons of the scheme.
“I remain optimistic that the government will finally take action accordingly,” he said reassuring stakeholders that the matter is being worked on. 

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN