Police strengthen tourism security

KILIMANJARI: THE Tanzania Police Force has pledged to strengthen collaboration with tourism stakeholders to enhance visitor safety and support the country’s growing tourism industry.

The commitment was made by the Commandant of the Tanzania Police School (TPS), Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) Ramadhan Mungi, at the close of a tourism training workshop for police officers in Moshi over the weekend.

SACP Mungi said the tourism sector remains a key contributor to the country’s economy, making it essential for the police to ensure a safe and secure environment for visitors.

“The tourism sector is one of the most important drivers of our country’s economy. As the institution responsible for maintaining security, we will continue working to ensure the sector remains safe for the benefit of the nation and its people,” he said.

He said the training had come at the right time as the number of tourists visiting Tanzania continues to rise following the government’s efforts to promote the country’s tourism attractions.

According to SACP Mungi, the knowledge gained by the officers will strengthen the Police Force’s capacity to improve visitor safety, enhance public engagement and reinforce Tanzania’s image as a welcoming tourist destination.

He commended Moshibased Zara International Travel Agency for supporting the programme, saying partnerships between the police and tourism stakeholders are essential in equipping officers with skills needed to serve the sector effectively.

ALSO READ: Arusha beckons African security officials for tourism, training

The training coordinator, Andrew Makang’a, said the programme was designed to equip police officers with a better understanding of the tourism industry, including the expectations of international visitors and the importance of cultural sensitivity.

He said the workshop brought together more than 30 officers from Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, most of whom serve at tourism desks established in regional police stations across the country.

Mr Makang’a said the training was sponsored by Zara Tours and facilitated by lecturers from the University of Dar es Salaam and the College of African Wildlife Management Mweka (CAWMMweka), with support from the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) and Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA).

Zara Tours Human Resources Manager Bernard Saini said the company sponsored the training to strengthen the Police Force’s capacity to protect both citizens and tourists.

He said the officers were equipped with skills to identify tourism-related security threats, assess location-specific risks and prevent crimes targeting visitors, particularly in remote and high-traffic tourist areas.

Mr Saini said the trained officers would serve as ambassadors for Tanzania by ensuring tourists feel safe, welcomed and valued throughout their stay.