Tanzania: Tourist Industry Feels Pinch of Financial Crisis
on 2009/2/27

Arusha — Members of the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) have called on the government to reduce entry fees that discourage many tourists from making Tanzania their destination.

Speaking to this newspaper at different times, the operators explained the world financial crisis compounded with Tanzania's high migration and park entry fees are making many tourists choose more affordable destinations in the region.

The members made the call when 30 of them from the northern circuit were meeting in Arusha to reflect on the financial crisis and its effects on the tourist market.

TATO's Executive Secretary, Mustapha Akunaay, also insisted that the government should take prompt steps to remedy the situation before more tourist arrivals are lost to the neighbouring competing destinations.

Another operator, Hussein Nassib, called on the President Jakaya Kikwete to direct more resources and efforts to the promotion of Tanzania as a tourist destination by advertising Tanzania's many attractions.

Nassib said other countries such as South Africa promoted their market through world media such as CNN and wondered why Tanzania didn't emulate their example.

Samwel Diah, another TATO member, was more specific and thinks that the government should consider reducing, or abolishing altogether, park entry fees and hunting license fees that he said were unnecessarily high and kept away potential foreign tourists from Tanzania.

Diah explained that the government forces them to operate under very difficult conditions, as the numerous fees were discouraging.

An adventurous moment for tourists in Northern Tanzania

He complained about the double payment of entry fees: a vehicle is charged 200 US Dollars plus 50 US Dollars per visitor of the park.

Many operators have reported tour cancellations, some up to 50 percent, in recent months.

I wonder if now they are feeling foolish for raising trophy fees???

Like taxes, you raise any fees high enough and people just stop producing, going, attending, etc. etc. etc.

Tanzania.....the Oregon and California of Africa. Falsely overinflated prices eventually come tumbling to the ground.......

After the fiascos of 06 & 07, I've had it with the government of that country. I am not going back.