While stakeholders welcomed the partnership, they cautioned that its success depended on urgent infrastructure improvements. Industry experts say that despite the diversity of Tanzania's natural attractions, poor transportation links and limited transportation options continue to hinder the growth of a sector vital to the national economy.
During a meeting of African tour operators held at the same time as the signing ceremony, Mr. Wilbard Chambulo, Chairman of the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO), noted that although the industry is committed to such cooperation, infrastructure gaps remain a major obstacle. He stressed that in order for the region to take full advantage of joint initiatives, governments should prioritize sustainable investments in transport.
It is also important to ensure uninterrupted movement, noting that tourists should be able to easily move between Tanzania and Uganda without tedious time-consuming journeys. As an example of how poor transportation hinders research, he cited the long travel time from Arusha to Selous. Since almost 30% of Tanzania's territory is devoted to natural resources, he advocated the expansion of domestic flights and the construction of a standard-gauge railway to improve accessibility and maintain global competitiveness.
The Deputy High Commissioner of Uganda to Tanzania, Ms. Elizabeth Allimadi, called on the tour operators of both countries to work closely together to maximize the potential of the agreement. She noted that the partnership will provide a platform for joint promotion, which will ultimately increase the global recognition of both countries.
Meanwhile, Mr. Andreas Simion, Vice President of the Pan-African Tourism Council for South Africa, said that the agreement provides an opportunity to promote East Africa as a single tourist destination. He noted that by facilitating travel to other countries, the region can increase tourism revenues and create jobs along the entire value chain, provided that governments remain committed to strengthening regional ties.
Comments (0)