TTB launches CODE +255 campaign to promote domestic tourism

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) has launched the CODE +255 – TWENZETU KUTALII campaign to encourage Tanzanians to explore the country’s tourist attractions ahead of the end-of-year holiday season.

The campaign, which will run from October 27, 2026, to January 15, 2027, will involve celebrities, social media influencers and the Tanzania Bus Owners Association (TABOA) in promoting domestic tourism and encouraging more citizens to travel within the country.

Speaking to journalists, TTB Director General Dr Thereza Mugobi said more than 400 buses are expected to feature tourism-related content to reach passengers and raise awareness of attractions available across the country.

She said the campaign would also introduce special offers and affordable travel packages to enable Tanzanians from different income groups to participate in tourism according to their financial capabilities.

Dr Mugobi added that tourism extends beyond wildlife parks to include beaches, historical sites, cultural heritage, traditional cuisine, arts and festivals, which also provide income-generating opportunities for entrepreneurs and service providers.

TABOA Vice-Chairperson Mbazi Mbazi said the association supported the initiative and would establish arrangements to ensure buses display films and channels showcasing the country’s tourist attractions.

“We have prepared our buses to transport passengers to different tourist destinations while they watch films promoting these attractions. We are doing this out of patriotism, and we are ready to promote our country,” he said.

Popular comedian Fadhil Atick, popularly known as Pengo, said he would work with other stakeholders to produce various forms of content encouraging Tanzanians to visit tourist attractions across the country.

Actress Leah Mwendamseke, popularly known as Lamata, said social media influencers and other public figures would use their platforms to promote domestic tourism while leading by example by visiting different destinations.

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Meanwhile, Maxwell Shayo, popularly known as Mzee Shayo, said it was surprising that some Tanzanians failed to visit local tourist attractions despite the relatively low entrance fees.

He cited an entrance fee of Sh5,900 per person for Tanzanians, compared with 30 US dollars, equivalent to approximately Sh79,000, for foreign visitors entering the country’s attractions, urging citizens to take advantage of the opportunity to explore their country.