The recent peaceful election in Tanzania has been described as yet another important factor in boosting the country’s travel and hospitality industry.  

The Executive for the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO), Mr Sirili Akko, said despite the travel advisory issued by some western countries, warning their citizens against travelling to the country during the periods of campaigns and polls, many foreign visitors continued to flock here.

“It is also important to remember that the general election was held at a time when the high tourism season, which runs between June and September was already over,” pointed out Mr Akko, adding that the fact that many travellers defied pre-election warnings, the polls and the usual low season ebb, goes to show how attractive Tanzania is getting as a destination.

The TATO Executive was of the view that, from next year, the industry is likely to record even better progress as far as tourists flow is concerned. “The country, despite featuring 16 national parks, an extensive beach and Zanzibar Islands, also banks heavily on its peaceful nature,” said Mr Akko.

Tanzania receives an average 1.2 million visitors per annum, though nearly 90 per cent of this figure heads to the Northern Tourism Circuit comprising Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Serengeti National Parks, among others.

“But, we are facing challenges, especially from neighbouring countries that have of late been improving their destinations and respective travel packages as well as lowering prices to attract more visitors from abroad,” said the TATO official while speaking exclusively to this paper in his office.

Credit: http://www.dailynews.co.tz