TTB’s door-to door campaign to amplify domestic tourism

MWANZA: THE Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) has strengthened its ‘door-to-door’ campaign as part of a strategy to increase the number of domestic tourists in the country.

This is part of the government’s initiatives to meet the target of 5 million visitors both international arrivals and domestic tourists sampling the country’s attractions, generating 6 billion US dollars by the end of this year.

According to the Bank of Tanzania’s monthly economic review for the year ending October last year, service receipts were 6,981.1 million US dollars, up from 5,894.2 million US dollars in the year ending September 2023, bolstered by travel (tourism) and transport earnings.

Travel receipts increased to 3,826.4 million from 3,156.2 million US dollars in the year ending September 2023.

The performance was backed by growth in number of international tourists arrivals, which increased by 21.2 per cent to 2,068,856, reflecting the effectiveness of government and private sector initiatives in promoting Tanzania as a tourist destination.

According to TTB, in 2023 about 2.8 million domestic tourists visited various tourist attractions across the country. And, the ongoing campaign, which began recently, involves public education directed at various institutions, social groups and individuals, emphasising the importance of visiting tourist attractions.

To make the initiative more accessible, TTB has collaborated with multiple stakeholders to offer affordable tour packages for all Tanzanians, said the Board’s Director of Marketing, Mr Ernest Mwamwaja, over the weekend in Mwanza.

“This initiative is in line with the one-month ‘Funga Mwaka Kijanja, Talii’ campaign, which started last month and will conclude this Friday (January 10),” Mr Mwamwaja explained.

He added that the tour packages range from 50,000/- to 300,000/-, with the minimum package designed for a family of three.

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He said that these campaigns offer numerous benefits to Tanzania and its citizens, including the promotion of edu-tourism. This initiative is especially valuable for practical studies in fields such as geology, zoology, wildlife, history and ecosystems when students visit tourist attractions.

“The same applies to researchers and individuals seeking further learning. This is why we make every effort to ensure that experts are available at tourist sites to provide in-depth knowledge,” he said.

TTB Lake Zone Acting Representative, Ms Roda Kabarua, said that the campaigns have been raising awareness among Tanzanians.

“People were aware of tourism, but their willingness to participate was low. Now, more people are engaging,” she said.

Chief Conservation Officer at Saanane Island in Lake Victoria, Mr Pellegy Marandu reported a noticeable increase in local tourists.

The island now receives at least 100 visitors per day. This growth can be attributed to the addition of new attractions, particularly animals and birds.

“We recently introduced peacocks, which have drawn more visitors. The island’s proximity to the city centre just a few minutes away also makes it an attractive destination,” he said.

A group of tourists from the Islamic College in Zanzibar, who visited Saanane Island over the weekend, including group leader Dr Juma Khamis, supported the idea that the island is a perfect example of ‘edu-tourism,’ particularly for students studying environmental conservation and wildlife.

“We have observed the lush greenery all the way to the island. It’s truly captivating. Our students have much to learn from this environment and its preservation,” Dr Khamis commented.