Private-public collaboration: Key to unlocking Tanzania’s travel industry potential

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA’S travel industry is experiencing a significant boost, thanks to the government’s renewed commitment to investing in the transport sector.

This was stressed during a recent Tanzania Society of Travel Agents (TASOTA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Exhibition- Gala Dinner held in Dar es Salaam which brought together government leaders, airlines, travel agents, tour operators, hotels and other industry stakeholders.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Professor Godius Kahyarara, emphasised the importance of the sector in driving economic growth, highlighting the government’s ambitious plans to expand aviation, railway and road infrastructure.

The aviation sector is a significant contributor to Tanzania’s economy, with the government investing heavily in airport infrastructure, runways and modern navigation systems.

The sector has been growing at an impressive rate of over twenty per cent annually, far exceeding the country’s average GDP growth rate of four to six percent. This growth is expected to continue, with the government’s target of exceeding twenty-six planes within the next three years.

Private sector participation is a core part of the government’s transport policy and the government is committed to creating an enabling environment for investors to participate in developing the aviation, railway and logistics industries.

Reading a speech of Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism Permanent Secretary Dr Hassan Abbas, ministry’s principal marketing officer Flaviana Moshi argued that tourism is one of the leading contributors to Tanzania’s economy as it creates jobs, generates foreign exchange and projects international image of the country.

She said the government remains firmly committed to strengthen policies, improving infrastructure and enhancing promotional strategies to ensure sustainable growth.

“Tourism must continue to benefit our people, our communities in our nation at large. When our country shines on the global stage, each of our voices and efforts is heard in that applause,” she stated.

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The Tanzania Society of Travel Agents (TASOTA) Chairperson, Ms Agness Rwegasira, commended the government for prioritising the sector and urged travel agents to remain united, innovative and committed to excellence. The collaboration between the government and private sector has yielded significant benefits.

For instance, Tanzania’s international air connectivity has grown by twenty-one percent within Africa and one hundred and twenty-eight percent globally in recent years. Aviation contributes 3.8 billion US dollars to Tanzania’s GDP and handles 29,800 tonnes of air cargo annually.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Country Manager for East Africa, Ms Agnes Musuha, called on the government to continue prioritising aviation as a strategic pillar for economic growth, while enhancing safety and aligning with global standards.

Skyward Airlines’ Revenue and Distribution Manager, Ms Mary Mayaka, highlighted the airline’s ongoing digital transformation, including a new reservation system to simplify ticketing and improve services for travel agents.

To unlock the full potential of Tanzania’s travel industry, the government and private sector must continue to work together, prioritising investment in infrastructure, encouraging private sector participation and promoting sustainable tourism practices.

By working together, Tanzania can achieve its vision of becoming a major tourist destination, driving economic growth and development for the benefit of all Tanzanians. The government’s commitment to investing in the transport sector is a testament to its dedication to economic development.

As the travel industry continues to grow, it is essential that the government and private sector maintain their collaborative efforts to ensure that the sector reaches its full potential. With the right policies and investments in place, Tanzania’s travel industry is poised for continued growth and success. One of the key areas of focus for the government and private sector is infrastructure development.

The government has embarked on an ambitious programme to upgrade and expand airport infrastructure, including the construction of new terminals and runways. This investment is expected to increase the capacity of Tanzania’s airports, enabling them to handle more passengers and cargo. In addition to infrastructure development, the government is also promoting private sector participation in the travel industry.

The government has introduced policies and regulations aimed at encouraging investment in the sector, including tax incentives and streamlined licensing procedures. These efforts have borne fruit, with many private sector companies investing in the sector.

The Tanzania Society of Travel Agents (TASOTA) has played a crucial role in promoting the interests of travel agents and tour operators in the country. The society has been working closely with the government to ensure that the needs of its members are taken into account in policy formulation.

TASOTA has also been involved in various initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable tourism practices in the country. Sustainable tourism is an important aspect of Tanzania’s tourism industry.

The country is home to some of the most spectacular natural attractions in the world, including the Serengeti National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro. The government and private sector are working together to promote sustainable tourism practices, including ecotourism and cultural tourism.

These efforts are aimed at ensuring that the country’s natural resources are protected for future generations. The growth of Tanzania’s travel industry has also led to an increase in employment opportunities. The sector is a significant employer, with many Tanzanians working in various roles, including tour guides, hotel staff and airline employees.

The industry also provides opportunities for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to participate in the tourism value chain. The partnership between the government and private sector is crucial to the development of Tanzania’s travel industry.

By working together, they can create a thriving industry that benefits the economy and the people of Tanzania. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be essential to prioritise sustainability, innovation and collaboration to ensure that the sector remains a key driver of economic growth and development.

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The future of Tanzania’s travel industry looks bright, with many opportunities for growth and development. The government’s commitment to investing in infrastructure and promoting private sector participation is expected to continue, providing a solid foundation for the sector’s growth.

With the right policies and investments in place, Tanzania’s travel industry is poised to become a major contributor to the country’s economy, driving economic growth and development for the benefit of all Tanzanians.

The event pulled representatives from the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO), Tourism Confederation of Tanzania (TCT), Travel Port, Selcom and Blue Ocean.