The government has unveiled a package of
steps to help boost tourism growth, vowing to work closely with the
private sector, as it seeks closer ties with tour operators. From 2014, key state-run-tourism agencies will be engaging tour
operators quarterly to explore new ideas, strategies and solve emerging
hitches in the tourist industry.
Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB), Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) and
Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) will be meeting Tanzania
Association of Tour Operators (TATO) regularly.
Natural Resources and Tourism Minister, Khamis Kagasheki unveiled the
measures during a colorful TATO annual gala dinner held in Arusha last
weekend.
Mr Kagasheki said the public and private sectors would forge a united
front in a bid to explore best practices to increase tourist arrivals
in the country.
Revising tax regime in the tourism industry and exploring new avenues
to collect taxes, are among the raft of measures to be employed to
relieve tour operators.
"I've said it time and again government can't do business, but it can
create suitable environment for tourism to flourish" he told his
audience.
The cabinet Minister expressed his dismay that Tanzania is the
world's second best tourist destination only after Brazil in terms of
abundant natural attractions, but yet it receives few tourists.
Khamis Kagasheki, Natural Resources and
Tourism Minister.
"We want to move from conservative beliefs that the private sector
has no choice than to obey the government's demands" he said, amid
applause from the floor.
TATO chairman, Mr Willy Chambulo said that tour operators are keen to
work with the government because they are peaceful people whose
interests are not only to make profits, but also to help economic
growth.
Mr Chambulo implored the government to recognize tourism as a leading
foreign currency earner surpassing gold in the year ending September
2013.
Bank of Tanzania (BoT)'s latest economic review shows that during the
period between September 2012 and September 2013, revenues from tourism
rose from $1.61 billion to $1.82 billion, while gold export revenues
declined from $2.15 billion to $1.74 billion.
"The future looks much brighter than the past with the new TATO
management. We want to cooperate with our own government to make tourism
grow even further," he stressed.
For Arusha Regional Commissioner, Magesa Mulongo said tourism
industry is extremely important, contributing a 20 percent of the total
Arusha region's gross domestic product amounting to 2.13 trillion.
Arusha contributes 4.9 percent to the national GDP.
TATO Public Relations Chief, Fazal Zuher said that his association
plans to make gala dinner an annual event to be a forum where tour
operators and government officials could be networking.
"My appeal to you all is that lets cooperate to make the tourism
industry stronger," said Mr Fazal, who is also the Managing Director for
one of the largest tour company, Leopard tours.
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