The number of tourists from India to Tanzania is set to increase following a Mumbai company, Akqua Tourism Destinations Private Limited, to embark on tourism promotional campaign among the latter country’s film producers, The Guardian on Sunday has learnt. The company’s director Jilesh Babla, who lives in Mumbai, said Akqua is currently negotiating with two major Indian film houses that will conduct video shooting in Tanzania’s tourist attractions, especially game parks. 

“We are embarked on this promotional campaign because there are many Indians who are unaware of what Tanzania can offer in terms of culture, wildlife Safari packages, Safari plus and Island packages.

“As I speak to you, discussion between my company and two major Indian film houses is under way to arrange visits to Tanzania for video film shooting so that Indians and other people in the world can know Tanzania’s tourist attractions, he said.

Tanzania’s attractions include the tallest mountain in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater.

Last year Akqua Tourism Destinations Private Limited funded a trip to Tanzania for 23 agents and tour operators, four Indian journalists and two Indian film producers to see the country’s attractions. The aim was to help them provide proper information to Indian communities.

“In India the target audience is the growing middle class and high-end premium or luxury segment travelers, and as you can see Tanzania has products to suit both these segments,” he added.

He noted that Tanzania can ‘tantalize’ the Indian market with the variety of what it can offer in terms of all wildlife Safari packages, Safari plus Island packages and all Island packages.

For Indians Tanzania is virgin market and potential destination for Alternative Tourism for tourists who have already travelled to South East Asia and want different experiences during their next holiday. According to Babla, India is currently contributing nearly five million tourists annually visiting different parts of the world.

The destination also offers good cultural experiences and lifestyles of local people, Babla said adding that wildlife and adventure are also potential segments to be explored, while Zanzibar is great destination for honeymooners with its good options for accommodation, well maintained resorts as well as good culinary options. Tanzania is destination for families with children.

The offerings in the country can be divided into beaches and wildlife, while the beaches in Zanzibar are still undiscovered and could attract leisure and luxury travellers from India.

Also there are good quality resorts near the beaches and wildlife is a strong feature in Tanzania. Safari rides in Serengeti and climbing the volcanic Mountain of Ol Donyo Lengai could be of interest to high-end luxury travellers from India,’’ he said.

BY BEATRICE PHILEMON

Source: Guardian on Sunday