.Tanzania: State to Double Jobs, Augment Tourism Earnings

By Deus Ngowi

Moshi — The Government has stated that the Kilimanjaro Tourism and Industry Fair (KILIFAIR) is a shot in the arm in the tourism sector in the country, anticipating that its spillover effect will increase tourists, jobs in the sector and bring more foreign currency for the Government.

Launching the event at Ushirika Ground here, the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Professor Abdallah Maghembe, said he was amazed by a high turnout of exhibitors, including many foreign tourist agents, who he said will act as ambassadors abroad.

"This is a big shot in the arm for the tourism sector. It is a fantastic fair this year. I did not expect to see even half of what I see here of the exhibitors, but I am also satisfied by quality of what you show," the minister said of more than 250 exhibitors in the threeday fair.

Professor Maghembe noted that few tourists have been coming to Tanzania and the fair is setting a new tone as each tourist company and agent who attended the fair would in turn bring many sightseers from Europe, America and other continents.

"I thank you (exhibitors) that you have come not only for exhibition but also to see the beauty of the country. These are companies that bring tourists from Europe; they will do a lot for us.

Currently the Tourism sector creates 1.5 million jobs; I am upbeat that in three years or so job opportunities will double to three million. It contributes a bit more than 20 per cent to the country's coffers, I want it up to 40 per cent," said the minister.

Responding to KILIFAIR 2016 organisers, Minister Maghembe announced that there would be a waiver of entrance fees to national parks for exhibitors in the next KILIFAIR, as a way to attract more exhibitors and tourists in the country.

Mr Maghembe said the Government is interested in receiving high-end tourists who can contribute much to the economy through different payments they make. He said from January to December 2015, Tanzania received 1.5 million tourists while Dubai attracts up to 25 million tourists.

He said KILIFAIR would act as a bridge, increase exhibitors next year, but see to it that many more of tourists will go to see attractions in the country's national parks. The minister promised to discuss with the Moshi Co-operative University (MoCU) so that its sports ground would be a permanent place to hold the yearly event.

The KILIFAIR Promotion Company Co-Director, Mr Dominic Shoo, said the event under the motto 'Boosting Tanzania Tourism' provides a networking platform for stakeholders from around the globe to share experiences, establish new business relations and improve existing contacts.

Mr Shoo had asked the minister to spare the exhibitors from paying an approximate 60 US Dollars entrance fee to the national parks, saying they were the ones going to promote the country and bring in many tourists who would pay the fees.

The event has attracted more than 250 exhibitors. There are more than 150 tour companies from countries such as USA, Canada, South Africa and some European ones which are here to find partners for business in the country.