Govt clarifies KRTO’s mandate, limits of authority in Mt. Kilimanjaro tourism

KILIMANJARO: THE government through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism has warned the Kilimanjaro Responsible Trekking Organisation (KRTO), which also oversees the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP), to stop undertaking activities that exceed its legal mandate in the management of mountain tourism.

According to the statement released by the government communication unit, all tourism companies, organisations and associations must fully comply with the Tourism Act, Cap. 65, including requirements governing registration, licensing, service quality and the operation of tourism activities.

It stressed that any institution, organisation, company or group without statutory authority cannot lawfully interfere with responsibilities assigned to the government or other legally mandated authorities.

It also said no private institution, association or other body without statutory powers could assume the authority to declare a tourism company or agent legally or illegally authorised to operate on behalf of the government.

The ministry also directed KRTO to stop presenting itself as having the authority to certify, approve or declare tourism companies or agents legally authorised to conduct mountain tourism in Tanzania.

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It has also warned the organisation against presenting compliance with its own “responsible tour operator” criteria in a manner that could be interpreted as a government-backed legal certification.

The government further criticised the dissemination of information through KRTO’s website and international networks that could create the impression that the organisation is the final authority for determining whether companies conducting mountain tourism are legally authorised.

The ministry said such representations could affect other tourism stakeholders operating under licences issued by the competent authorities.

KRTO has also been warned against assuming responsibility for protecting or representing the interests of mountain porters in ways that exceed its legal mandate.

The ministry’s statement explained that the organisation must not obstruct, interfere with or otherwise affect the legitimate activities of tourism operators or companies that have been licensed by the relevant authorities without a legal basis.

Meanwhile, the Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), through Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA), will continue to ensure that all companies and agents operating tourism activities inside the park comply fully with laws, regulations, licence conditions and conservation and operational procedures, the ministry said.

The government said management of tourism activities within protected areas would continue to be carried out by authorities legally mandated to perform those functions.

The ministry said the approach was intended to ensure service quality, visitor safety, compliance with licensing requirements and protection of the park’s natural environment.

Moreover, the government has explained that it recognises and values the contribution of non-governmental organisations, tourism associations and private-sector stakeholders to the development and promotion of Tanzania’s tourism industry.

However, it stressed that such cooperation must operate within the limits established by law, regulations and government procedures.

The ministry assured tourism stakeholders and the public that management of the sector would continue to be guided by the law, transparency, fairness and accountability, while protecting Tanzania’s interests.