Tanzania: Do More to Market Tourism, Govt Urged

Dodoma — Members of Parliament have called on the government to increase tourism promotion funds if the country wants to attract more foreign tourists.

Debating the proposed budget estimates for the ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism for 2017/18 since Tuesday evening throughout yesterday the MPs raised a unanimous concern that the government was not doing enough to in advertising local attractions in the global market.

The minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Prof Jumanne Maghembe, on Tuesday told the Parliament that Tanzania received 1.2 million tourists in 2016 and plans were underway to attract up to two million tourists in 2020.

Mr Cosato Chumi (Mufindi Urban-CCM) said with the potential of tourism in boosting the national economy, the government hadn't done enough to advertise tourist attractions.

"Last year, we only injected $2 million into advertising the sector of tourism, but a country as tiny as Rwanda with very limited attractions spent $8 million," he said adding: "if we continue believing that tourists will keep on coming to Tanzania simply because we have abundant attractions, we will be lying to ourselves and countries with limited attractions, but extensive advertising strategies will keep doing better in terms of attracting tourists than us."

Ms Lucy Owenya (Special Seats-Chadema) said Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB), which has the responsibility of promoting the country's attractions was operating with limited funds. "In 2016/17, TTB asked for Sh2.7 billion, but they have so far received only Sh422 million," she said.

Mr Edwin Sanda (Kondoa Urban-CCM) noted that the number of tourists visiting Tanzania would not increase on its own. "We must inject enough funds into advertising our attractions and make prospective tourists consider Tanzania as a favourable destination," she noted.

Tanzania is a Wonderful Tourist Destination - Journalists from Israel

A group often (10) visitors comprises journalists from different media houses plus social media channels, artist and tour operators from Israel who were in Kigoma for a three day visit in Gombe National Park which is referred to as haven to numerous primate species including chimpanzee have successfully concluded their visit organized by Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) in the park and promise to highly promote it in Israel and the Middle East in general.

Speaking in Kigoma shortly after arriving from Gombe National Park the leader of the group Ms Ronit Hershkovitz acknowledged TTB and the Ministry of Tourism and Natural Resources for organizing this visit and TANAPA for the facilitation they offered while in Gombe National Park.  She admitted that the visit has been so amazing and a wonderful experience which will remain their life history for many years to come. “Visiting Tanzania has been a great opportunity for us since we have witnessed by ourselves the uniqueness of tourist attractions Tanzania is endowed with including the chimpanzee, indeed, we promise to write and tell our fellow country men about the beauty of this country and all these” noted Ronit.

Commenting on the journalists in the group Ms Ronit discloses that they are from very credible and popular media outlets such as Yediot Acharanot -7 Yamim the weekend magazine of the biggest daily newspaper in Israel, Atmosphere magazine, National Geographic magazine, Channel 2 Television and two popular bloggers and social media practitioners who are also opinion leader . The visiting team also includes one film actor, a radio and TV celebrity, and two senior officials from Safari Company an Israel based Tour Company.

Commenting on the visit the TTB spokesman Mr GeofreyTengeneza said that the Board’s decision to coordinate this visit is nothing but implementation of strategy to tap on Middle East tourist source market. “The Middle East countries are potential tourists source market for Tanzania, so we hardly intend to penetrate into, and this is one the initiatives that we are currently undertaking to fulfil our mission.” noted Mr Tengeneza. He added that everyone in the group was very much excited by Gombe visit especially after seeing chimpanzee. He further said that the motive behind taking this group to Gombe National Park in line with TTB’s operations to undertake more promotional drive in southern and western circuits as it has been the case for northern circuit tourist attractions. Mr Tengeneza extended many thanks to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism and Tanzania National Park (TANAPA) for their great support rendered to make this visit a success.

The team flew from Israel to Zanzibar on 19th April by charter plane and thereafter connect to Kigoma where were met at Kigoma Airport by Tanzania Tourist Board’s Head of Public Relations Unit Mr GeofreyTengeneza and Gombe Park warden Mr Elihuruma Wilson before being ferried by boat to the park which is located 16 km north of Kigoma town on the shores of world’s second deepest lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania.

The visit of the journalists, tour operators and actor from Israel has come just three days after that of the Israel former Minister Ehud Barak in Ngorongoro   Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park who accompanied with more than 100 delegates.

Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar Promote Tourism in the Gulf at ATM 2017

A move to strengthened destination marketing and boost tourism in the land of Kilimanjaro and spices, Destination Zanzibar returns to Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2017, through strategic alliance with Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT), Zanzibar Association of Tour Operators (ZATO), Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors (ZATI) and Tanzania Tourism Board under the banner “Tanzania – the land of Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar & the Serengeti”.

Determined to develop a holistic campaign that delivers a stronger voice and aligned vision, this partnership will serve as a forum for networking and collaborations while showcasing Tanzania as a growing market with business opportunities within leisure and business travel sectors. During international travel shows, the partnership’s objective will continue to promote world-class travel experiences including Safari wildlife, cultural adventures, beach experiences and all that remains unexplored.

Joining Tanzania Tourism Board and Zanzibar Commission for Tourism at this year’s edition of Arabian Travel Market is Destination Zanzibar, Asanja Africa, Azao Resort, Bluebay Hotels Zanzibar, Bobby Tours Tanzania Safaris, Exotic Zanzibar, Golden Tulip Zanzibar Resort, Lifestyle Safaris & Holidays, Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, The Aiyana Hotel, Zan Tours and Zanzibar Association of Tour Operators. The delegation will discuss changing travel trends across Luxury, Adventure, Safaris and Family Holidays as well as MICE inviting operators to connect with representatives, operators and hoteliers promoting Zanzibar as more than sun, sand and sea and Safari products.

Culturally, historically and economically interesting for GCC travelers, Tanzania and Zanzibar islands aim to engage with GCC travel agencies and stakeholders allowing them to get better acquainted with the destination and its attractions. Major Gulf carriers like Emirates, FlyDubai, Qatar Airways, Oman Air and Etihad who fly frequently to Tanzania, have become catalysts to changing tourism landscape.

“We predicted positive results following our participation at last year’s edition of ATM. Zanzibar has since witnessed an increase in tourism from this region, a testament to the destination potential across the Gulf. Tourism will continue to grow as the market develops and offers wide range of holiday packages for a wider demographic. Returning to ATM 2017 is a milestone for Zanzibar team; we have united with TTB to promote Tanzania – the land of Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar & the Serengeti, presenting the entirety of the destination that includes safari and beach holidays, undoubtedly a feather on our cap” said Hafsa Mbamba, Managing Director, Destination Zanzibar.

“Collective collaboration unites our common goals and governs our efforts to boost travel and tourism to mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. A land of plenty, Tanzania is blessed with natural beauty, wildlife, rich history, fascinating cultures and stunning beaches, making it one of the most beautiful and must visit places on earth. As we enter this new market, competing against matured destinations, we have no doubt or skepticism towards what we bring to new audience and travel industry across the GCC ” said Devota Kasanda Mdachi, Managing Director, Tanzanian Tourism Board.

nhabited by friendly and warm-hearted people, Tanzania is one of the most beautiful places to visit providing travellers the most unforgettable holiday experiences in the world. A melting pot with unique attractions, it is by far a destination of contradictions suitable for families, honeymooners as well as adventurers and thrill seekers. The changing landscape of tourism in mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar means expansion across hospitality sector and aviation industries will continue as hotels, resorts; airlines and tour operators enter the market attracting foreign investors across tourism sector.

Tanzania: State to Review 1999 Tourism Policy - Deputy Permanent Secretary

Arusha — Tanzania has started to formulate new National Tourism Policy to replace the old one which has existed for more than 18 years.

The revelation was made by Deputy Permanent Secretary (DPS) in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Aloyce Nzuki, while meeting different stakeholders who had gathered here to review the National Tourism Policy of 1999.

He said drafting of the new National Tourism Policy will consider issues on Conference Tourism, Historical and Cultural Heritage Sites, Eco-Tourism, Beach Tourism and Tourism Supply Chain among others.

"For many years, Tanzanian tourism sector has banked heavily on wildlife based safaris, forgetting that the world is changing and people need other attractions such as cultural tourism, visiting historical sites, ecotourism, conference tourism and water based visits featuring beach lazing and sun basking," Dr Nzuki stressed

He further said they were reviewing the 1999 National Tourism Policy to come up with a new document that will serve as a guideline towards improving the country's tourism industry in the coming years.

Commenting on the review, a Tour Operator, Mr Leopold Kabendera, who is also an expert in the tourism industry, from the Northern Zone, said a lot has changed since 1999 when the first National Tourism Policy was launched in the country.

"We are now experiencing advanced technology, faster means of communications, different types of tourists, new types of demand and interests as well as wider choice of destinations all of which need to be covered under the proposed new tourism policy," he pointed out. Mr Kabendera hinted that it was high time the country motivated many nationals to turn up as domestic tourists in its sites, instead of depending solely on foreign visitors.

"Tanzania is reported to be getting around 1.2 million tourists who visit it every year, where about 80 per cent of them, nearly 900,000 end up in the Northern Zone Circuit, mostly the Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro..., this is despite the fact that the country boasts of 16 National Parks scattered nationwide," he added without explaining further.

Under the new tourism policy, the government and other stakeholders will devise ways to ensure that foreign visitors also get time to visit other attraction sites in the Southern Circuit and Western Peninsular, the operator said.

He said they will also be tasked to find new ways of increasing the number of foreign tourists from other parts of the worlds, instead of relying mostly on the ones who come from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden and India.

Tanzania: Former Israel Premier Impressed By Tanzania Tourism Attractions

Dar es Salaam — Former Israel Prime Minister, Mr Ehud Barak, has praised the government for the way it preserves the country's tourist attractions.

Mr Barak, who was leading a group of over hundred Israeli tourists including his family arrived in the country early this week for a tourism mission.

During his tour, Mr Barak and his team visited Ngorongoro and Serengeti National Parks which are in the list of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.

According to Tanzania National Parks (Tanapa) Communication Manager, Mr Pascal Shelutete, the former Israeli Premier made a stopover at Olduvai Gorge on his way to Serengeti National Park where he was met by deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Engineer Ramo Makani.

At the Olduvai Gorge, the most famous archaeological location in East Africa and the must visit for travellers to Ngorongoro and Serengeti national Parks, Mr Barak said the area was very important because, as a cradle of mankind, it connects the early human being with the modern human generation.

He toured the Olduvai Gorge Museum and expressed his admiration of the way the government was doing in conservation of historical and heritage sites such as Olduvai Gorge.

Tanzania: Dar Explores Networks to Attract Tourists From China

Beijing — Chinese tourism firms have been advised to make the maximum use of social media to advertise Tanzania as a destination for Chinese tourists to this East African nation.

The advice was issued yesterday during a debate between Tanzanians taking part in China Outbound International Travel and Tourism Market in Beijing and their Chinese counterparts.

The discussion dwelt on how to capture the tourist market, set a good environment for the Chinese visitors and explored avenues for better learning skills of the Chinese Language -- because many Chinese speak only their language, hence the need for competent translators as well as hotels chefs who can cook their cultural delicacies.

This meeting was organised by Tanzania Ambassador to China, Mbelwa Kairuki, aims at launching a strategic plan to facilitate dialogue between tourism stakeholders in the two countries. It was attended by stakeholders from the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB), Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) and Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), among others.

Contributing, a manager with Utor Group of Companies, Crystal Guo said Tanzania was among the world's high-end destinations, specially available for the people of China. She said she had visited Tanzania, but often people don't know its beauty and tourism of animal migration correctly as a lot of them become Tanzania not Kenya.

Guo said Tanzania would be better exploring many more attractions, not just tourism based on animals "wildebeest migration, for instance, lends itself to the use of social networks on mobile phones - and distributing the information to users globally - through the phone.

"It's also important to use local media ... as well as other ways of modern networks ... advertising through posters, brochures or other traditional means have since gone stale," she counseled.

The head of CAISSA Tourism Group, Maggie Li, said Tanzania was among the world's high-end destinations from which travel agencies could make "good money" but decried the fact that many Chinese people do not know just how good Tanzania could help open Chinese markets - citing countries like Kenya which has reaped dividends from tourism through the use of a famous Chinese basketball player, Yao Ming, arguing that Tanzania could also find its own 'famous' Chinese 'decoy' to sell its attractions to China.

A professor of Strategic Tourism from Beijing International University, Tongqian Zou, proposed turning Tanzania into "leading tourism destination for China would require the "use of a variety of networks."

He also proposed that advertisers make a special focus on the young generation by encouraging Tanzania students studying in China to "sell Tanzania to their peers."

Kenya: Vat Exemption for Locally Assembled Tourist Vehicles As Hoteliers Get Credit Facility

Nairobi — The government has announced the exemption of Value Added Tax (VAT) for locally assembled tourist vehicles. Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich says the move is aimed at encouraging tourist operators to buy vehicles locally at a lower cost.

“The tourism industry has been growing steadily despite adversities experienced in industry. In order to promote tourism further, and to make Kenya a tourism hub, I propose to exempt from VAT locally assembled tourist vehicles,” he announced. He says apart from promoting tourism sector, the measure has taken into consideration current policy of the government to encourage local motor vehicle assembly.

Meanwhile, the government has allocated Sh2.7 billion to boost the tourism sector in this year’s budget where Sh1 billion will be used for full sector recovery, Sh1billion for sustaining new markets, Sh600 million for capital lending to hoteliers and Sh100milion to finance the revival of Fort Jesus in Mombasa.

 He, however, noted the continued improvement of the sector which has previously faced pressure due to security challenges.

“The tourism sector has picked up with significance rise in the conference activities and foreign tourist arrivals. To further realize the multiple benefits of a robust tourism sector the government working with the key shareholders in the industry, will continue to promote and develop new areas of tourism, including sports, beach and medical tourism,” he said.

 The number of tourists to Kenya grew by 16.1 percent in 2016 with international arrivals for January to October 2016 by air and sea closed at 729,682 compared to 628,345 in 2015.

He reiterated government commitment to fully revive Kenya Airways (KQ).

“Recognizing the importance of aviation to the industry, the government is keen to keep the positive trajectory 5that has been achieved at Kenya Airways and is working with other shareholders to ensure that the ongoing efforts, to restructure the KQ balance sheet, and place the company on a long-term sound financial footing is achieved,” Rotich assured.