Tanzania set to take part in 'Indaba Tourism Show' in May

BY SHUBILA BARONGO

Tanzania will take part in the Indaba Tourism show, Africa’s top travel trade show, which is slated for 9th to 11th May this year in Durban South Africa, the Tourism Confederation(TCT) of Tanzania has confirmed.

 

INDABA is the biggest platform for African tourism businesses to meet global buyers of their products and services. The three-day show attracts Africa’s best tourism and travel trade offerings, which attract the most influential buyers in the world.

 

TCT’s media communications officer, Sam Kasulwa told this paper yesterday that preparations are underway for Tanzanian tour operators to submit applications and register for stands.

 

 “INDABA is the heartbeat of an African industry that’s united in spirit,” said South African Tourism Minister, Dereck Hanekom, during the launching of the fair.

 

 “We share an entrepreneurial spirit across the continent, and this is helping to develop the tourism industry faster than ever before,” he added.

Tourism industry practitioners across Africa share a common challenge of attracting visitors in an increasingly competitive global market. 

 

“This is an opportunity for our country to illustrate how our tourism offerings have differentiated themselves by using our unique cultural, historical and natural assets to the full benefit of our industry,” said Kasulwa.

 

According to Kasulwa, TCT plays the role of mentoring local tour operators so as to benefit from the trade fair.

 

“Our work is to encourage as many stakeholders to participate in the showcase so they can realise their full potential. To achieve this, we organise training sessions for tour operators whereby we teach them how to negotiate deals with foreign tour operators like airline companies. Such training helps to enhance professionalism in the industry,” he explained. 

He said the organisation also conducts training for hotel staff to boost efficiency. 

 

About 1 200 tourism products from 25 African countries including Tanzania were exhibited at Indaba 2014. The ministry of tourism showcased Tanzania’s beautiful tourist destinations. 

 

 “Tourism is a robust and thriving sector of the African economy that is powering job creation and economic growth,” said Minister Hanekom 

Indaba is owned by South African Tourism and organised by Pure Grit Project and Exhibitions Management (Pty) Ltd.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN