Tanzanian President tells Security forces to Pursue Wildlife Poachers

Tanzania's president on Saturday ordered the security forces to go after top criminals financing organized networks behind elephant poaching, saying no one was "untouchable".

The East African nation, home to the famous Serengeti which is packed with wildlife and Africa's highest mountain Kilimanjaro, relies on revenues from tourism and safaris but has been blighted by poachers chasing ivory to sell mostly in Asia.

Since coming to power in 2015, President John Magufuli has promised root out corruption and mismanagement.

"I am behind you ... arrest all those involved in this illicit trade, no one should be spared regardless of his position, age, religion ... or popularity," Magufuli said in a statement.

"Go after all of them ... so that we protect our elephants from being slaughtered."

Magufuli issued the directive after visiting the Natural Resources and Tourism Ministry in Tanzania's commercial capital Dar es Salaam, where he saw 50 tusks seized from poachers.

"This is unacceptable," he said during an inspection of the haul. "We cannot allow our natural resources to be lost because of the greed of a few people."

Magufuli said he would continue to support the work of Tanzania's National and Transnational Serious Crimes Investigation Unit (NTSCIU) to fight elephant poaching.

Poaching has risen in recent years across sub-Saharan Africa, where well-armed criminal gangs have killed elephants for tusks and rhinos for horns that are often shipped to Asia for use in ornaments and medicines.

In Tanzania, the elephant population shrank from 110,000 in 2009 to around 43,000 in 2014, according to a census last year, with conservationists blaming "industrial-scale" poaching. There are also far fewer rhinos and they are endangered.

The NTSCIU anti-poaching team is comprised of officials from the Tanzania Intelligence and Security Service, police, army, immigration, judiciary and the national wildlife service.

The team is credited with the arrest of more than 870 poachers and illegal ivory traders and the seizure of over 300 firearms over the past few years.

In October last year, prosecutors charged prominent Chinese businesswoman Yang Feng Glan, 66, dubbed the "Ivory Queen", with running a network that smuggled tusks from 350 elephants after she was arrested by members of the NTSCIU. She denies this.

Magufuli on Saturday sacked the police director of criminal investigation, Diwani Athumani, without giving a reason. A police source said the president was not satisfied with progress in the fight against crime, including ivory

East Africa: New Dawn As Dar, Rabat Sign Over 20 Bilateral Agreements

Dar Es Salaam — Tanzania and the Kingdom of Morocco yesterday signed 21 partnership agreements in various areas, including political cooperation, aviation, tourism, agriculture and oil and gas as part of renewed efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

The two countries have not had close relations since Morocco decided to quit the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the precursor of the African Union (AU), in November 1984 after the OAU admitted a delegation claiming to represent Western Sahara.

But Tanzania has indicated it is ready to forge closer ties with northern African monarchy as part of efforts to implement its economic diplomacy agenda.

The signing of the agreements at State House, Dar Es Salaam, was witnessed by President John Magufuli and King Mohammed VI of Morocco, who arrived in Tanzania on Sunday for a three-day official to be followed by a five-day private visit. The monarch arrived with a 150-strong delegation.

The two countries also signed an agreement that would see the establishment of mechanisms to further political consultations through their respective ministries of foreign affairs.

Agreements were also signed to forge closer links and cooperation between the two countries' business communities and sectors such as finance and banking.

The agreements were signed by ministers and officials from the two countries.

"In addition to these agreements, King Mohammed VI has accepted my request to assist in the constructing of a modern stadium in Dodoma and an ultra-modern mosque in Dar Es Salaam," President Magufuli said in a brief speech. The stadium is expected to cost between $80 million and $100 million.

The two countries will also introduce training exchange programmers among defense and security organs, President Magufuli said, adding that about 150 Tanzanian soldiers will fly to Morocco next week for military training.

The two countries have also agreed to establish direct flights between Rabat and Dar es Salaam to foster tourism and make business trips cheaper and more convenient.

"Morocco is doing better in tourism, mining and finance. The direct flights will enhance tourism and exchange of visits," President Magufuli noted.

Speaking prior to the signing ceremony, the minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Dr. Augustine Mahiga, said the agreements would open a new chapter of cooperation and engagement between the two countries.

"This is the first time the Moroccan monarch has visited Tanzania, and he did not come empty-handed as can been from agreements to be signed today," he said.

The Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Mr Charles Mwijage, said the agreements signed yesterday provided platforms to facilitate industrial development in Tanzania.

For his part, the Moroccan Foreign Affairs minister, Mr. Selahddine Mezouar, commended Tanzania's decision to enhance for cooperation with his country.

He said the signing of the agreements was proof of the two government's commitment to boost their economies and improve living standards.

"We do appreciate the efforts by President Magufuli to bring development to Tanzania. We also appreciate the fact that this goes hand in hand with improving investment and business environments," he said

The Moroccan economy is one of the largest in Africa behind South Africa, Nigeria, Angola and Egypt.

The President of the Moroccan business community, Ms Miriem Bensalah, said the country's private sector was ready to work with the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF) to ensure objectives in commercial and business cooperation were attained.

Tanzania: Zanzibar to Host Major Tourism Conference

 

Zanzibar — In a bid to boost tourism industry, Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors (ZATI) is organizing a major private-lead tourism conference that aims at boosting tourism activities in the Isles.

According to a statement released yesterday by ZATI Chairman, Mr. Seif Miskry the conference will be dominated by discussions on doing business and widen the sector's benefits to reach more people in the Isles.

At least 12 government bodies and tourism stakeholders in the isles are expected to attend the conference. The conference is also expected to play a tourism mini-trade show and will enable stakeholders to network during a gala.

"We thank the government of Zanzibar for a healthy private and public partnership, we are looking forward to a useful and interesting event," he said. According to Mr. Miskry, the conference theme's 'doing business in Zanzibar tourism for all' is expected to draw attention and enable stakeholders to discuss various issues related to the sector.

"This event will feature a whole day of presentation and discussion pertinent to the Zanzibar tourism industry," said Mr. Miskry.

He said issues to be discussed would focus on taxation, law, environment, labor and immigration. Other issues in the list include skills development, utilities, sustainable tourism, and destination marketing.

He added that ease of doing business in Zanzibar and vision 2020 goals will be discussed, with a view to the private and public sectors working together on a range of actions resulting from the discussions.

The outcome of the conference is expected to be a list of advocacy issues that ZATI will take forward as its work agenda for the following 12 months.

"ZATI is committed to representing its membership's needs and interests, and to helping tourism in Zanzibar to continue to thrive and prosper, for the benefit of the economy and the people of Zanzibar," he noted.

Tanzania on the Spot for not Supporting EAC Tourism Plan

Tanzania’s reluctance to implement regional integration projects came under sharp focus yesterday during this year’s magical Kenya Travel Expo in Nairobi.

Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda revived calls for a joint marketing campaign for the recovering tourism sector.

The three countries yesterday called on Tanzania to come on board in promoting the region as a package, through the single tourist visa.

“Tanzania has issues. It is the fear of the unknown and fear of competition. We need to grow beyond competition,” Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala said, adding “Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda see ourselves as complementary.”

Tanzania has given the regional initiative meant to facilitate access to all member states using a univisa a wide berth.

It has also refused to open up her border at the Mara River to allow movement of tourists flocking the region for the historic Wildebeest migration.

A diplomatic row between Kenya and Tanzania was also witnessed in the last two years over the ban of tour vehicles to access one another’s borders, an issue that is yet to be fully addressed.

“Eventually we will be looking to resolve these issues through dialogue. I am optimistic Tanzania will finally come on board. Maybe we need to give them time,” Balala said at the annual fair.

Rwanda,Uganda and Kenya have implemented the single visa and use of national identification cards to cross to either sides. The visa uptake has, however, remained low since its launch in February 2014, with only 4,000 visas having been issued so far.

The three governments cited lack of enough promotion, calling on high commissioners both in Africa and abroad to market the visa. Under the single visa regime, foreigners can visit Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda at a fee of $100(Sh10,130 ), current exchange rate.

“High commissioners should emphasise we have a single visa. It is so unfortunate that tourists pay for different visas to enter the three countries yet they can have one visa,” East African Tourism Platform chairman Bonifence Byamukama said.

The three states have agreed to have a joint stand at the World Travel Market in London (November 7-9 ), to market the region.

Tanzania: Magufuli Commissions New Aircraft for Tourist Routes

Tanzania's President John Magufuli on Wednesday commissioned two Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft for the country's ailing national carrier, Air Tanzania. The president said his government plans to buy two wide-bodied planes for flying international routes that connect Tanzania with other destinations.

The president said he will authorise the purchase of the two aircraft next year, the first one with a capacity of 160 and the second with 240 seats. They will both fly international routes in America, Europe, Russia and China.

"We are confident that these two, big planes will boost tourism through direct flights from key tourist markets. They can make non-stop flights between Tanzania, US and China to eliminate unnecessary connections in other countries," said President Magufuli.

Flagging off

He flagged off the two new commercial aircrafts, which were bought from Canada. They will fly within the region under the control of the government aviation agency, but leased to the ailing Air Tanzania.

"Mismanagement, corruption and indiscipline in Air Tanzania were just a few of the problems that contributed to the downfall of our national carrier," said President Magufuli.

Air Tanzania's chief executive Patrick Itule said the two aircraft will be flying key domestic routes to compete with private airlines.

"We expect to make air transport in Tanzania more competitive with those two brand new aircraft," said Mr Itule.

Air Tanzania will have to compete with Precision Air, which operates a fleet of ATR 42 and ATR 72 turboprops and has enjoyed a near monopoly on the profitable domestic routes of Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, Mwanza and Mtwara.

Fastjet, the low-cost airline that is currently undergoing a restructuring and is awaiting a major fleet change, will also compete with Air Tanzania on domestic routes.

Egyptian Tourism Authority will relaunch its Red Sea Riviera Logo at WTM London in November

 As well as exhibiting from its own stand, the destination will partner with Uganda and Rwanda to create an area devoted to East Africa.

The rebrand comes as part of the organisation’s plans to extend its Red Sea Riviera brand to other resorts.

It will feature among a number of exhibitors from African tourism authorities, as the region continues to boost its profile within the global travel industry.

Among them, Kenya is looking to build on the success of the Born Free Foundation’s Year of the Lion, which marked the 50th anniversary of the classic 1966 film, based on Joy Adamson’s book of the same name.

As well as exhibiting from its own stand, the destination will partner with Uganda and Rwanda to create an area devoted to East Africa.

Tanzania will be well represented with 30 suppliers exhibiting as part of the Tanzania Tourism Board’s stand, ranging from coastal hotels to upmarket safari lodges.

Director of marketing Philip Chitaunga said: “Tanzania plans to make the most out of WTM, reflecting the importance of the UK market to Tanzania, and the fact that WTM brings together about 50,000 buyers and sellers from all sectors of the tourism industry all over the world."

Elsewhere, Go Zambia, a consortium of tour operators, accommodation providers and activity partners across Zambia, is exhibiting at WTM for the first time.

Also making their WTM debut will be Ethiopia’s Dinknesh Tours and the Egyptian resort of Sahl Hasheesh.

Other confirmed tourism board exhibitors from Africa include Ghana, Gambia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, South Africa and St Helena.

WTM London senior director, Simon Press said: “Africa is growing as a tourism destination and this year’s WTM is an ideal opportunity for buyers to immerse themselves in this region’s dynamic and varied tourism product.

“From established destinations such as Egypt, Morocco and South Africa to the exciting East African collaboration, Africa’s presence continues to grow not only as part of WTM but also as a significant player in the global travel and tourism industry.”


 

Germany, Tanzania’s Leading Partner in Tourism and Wildlife Conservation

 

Marking the German Unity Day, Tanzania stands among top beneficiaries of German partnership in tourism and wildlife conservation.

Strengthening cooperation with Tanzania for conservation of wildlife and protection of biodiversity, the German government has been support protection and conservation of wildlife in Tanzania’s leading wildlife and tourist parks.

Ranked as Tanzania’s traditional partner, Germany is supporting wildlife conservation projects in southern Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve and Serengeti National Park in the north.
 

Serengeti ecosystem and the Selous Game Reserve, two of the biggest conserved wildlife parks in Africa, have been the key beneficiaries of the German support for nature conservation in Tanzania. These two parks are the biggest conserved wildlife sanctuaries in Africa.

In June this year, the German embassy in Dar es Salaam handed over two vehicles to Serengeti and Ngorongoro Districts. The vehicles will be used by the district authorities to improve the services provided to village communities under good neighborliness initiative.

The vehicles will support activities such as control of wild animals, patrolling, early response to human-wildlife conflicts and training sessions related to natural resource management in localities and villages neighboring the two leading tourist parks in Northern Tanzania.

Deployment of the vehicles are part of the German support for biodiversity protection and rural development around the Serengeti National Park. The program, implemented by GIZ, aims at strengthening the districts in decentralized sustainable natural resource management.

Natural resources in the areas adjacent to Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area are increasingly under pressure from human settlements, heightening the risk of human-wildlife conflicts.

Germany government had extended support to Ngorongoro Community through the GIZ NRM program. GIZ supported different activities in the district including capacity building for the staff on natural resource management, aiming to increase the efficiency in implementing daily activities.

Since 2012 Germany has committed Euro 100 million for biodiversity protection and rural development in Tanzania.

Ngorongoro Crater inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is among the most preferred attraction in Tanzania and which pulls many German tourists.

Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro are the products of wildlife conservation areas established by the famous German conservationist, Professor Bernhard Grzimeck and who set up the two famous tourist parks in Africa.

 Germany has been a good source for tourists visiting Tanzania every year. The number of German tourists visiting Tanzania rose from 36,626 in 2012 to 53,951 last year, said the Tanzania Tourist Board’s marketing executive, Mr. Geofrey Meena.

The most attractive sites which pull Germans to Tanzania other than wildlife parks are the historical sites including the old German buildings, cultural heritage sites and Mount Kilimanjaro expeditions.

Germany is celebrating the Unity Day, marking 26 years since the reunification of East and West Germany.