Picture: Tanzania’s Minister of Tourism and Natural Resources Ambassador Dr. Pindi H. Chana
The United Republic of Tanzania through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism is preparing arduously to receive Tourism Ministers from Africa for the 65th World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Regional Commission for Africa Meeting.
Set for October 5-7 to be held in Arusha, the UNWTO Regional Commission for Africa (CAF) is the major institutional platform where ministries in charge of tourism discuss the latest trends of the sector at the continental and global level and the implementation of their program of work. CAF is held every year as part of UNWTO’s statutory events.
This year’s event is expected to shed light on the recovery of the tourism sector.
This year’s event is expected to shed light on the recovery of the tourism sector.
The thematic session to be held as part of the commission will focus on “Rebuilding Africa’s Tourism resilience for inclusive socio-economic development.
“Tourism plays a very significant role in the economy of our country, for instance before the outbreak of COVID 19, Tanzania received 1.52 Million Tourists and earned 2.6 Billion US Dollars. The sector contributed an average of 17 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and generated 1.5 Million jobs (both direct and indirect jobs)” Tanzania’s Minister of Tourism and Natural Resources Ambassador DR. Pindi H. Chana said ahead of the event.
The Minister averred that the CAF meeting presents a fine opportunity for the country to strengthen customary relations between our country and the international community, particularly in matters related to travel and tourism.
Tanzania’s hosting of this important meeting is a feather in the cap of the East African nation as it has embarked on a series of initiatives to stimulate the tourism sector. Key amongst them is Tanzania, The Royal Tour by the President of the country Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan which has gained momentum within the tourism sector and beyond.
President Samia Suluhu since the premier of the documentary of the tour embarked on trips to the United States and other source markets to attract tourists and also court investors in other areas of the national economy.
It will be the second time Tanzania is hosting a major UNWTO event. Tanzania is one of the leading tourist destinations in Africa and has been a member of the UN tourism body since 1975.
An investment guide on Tanzania will be launched during the event.
Other topics to be unpacked during the 3-day event will be a symposium on Innovation and Digital Marketing, panels on tourism investment and regional integration frameworks, access to conversation finance, and green investment vehicles to rebuild tourism’s resilience in Africa as well as B2B and B2G meetings.
