Tanzania tourism faces significant challenges

The tourism sector in Tanzania continues to face significant challenges, according to Sirili Akko, Chief Executive Officer of the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators. In a recent interview, Akko shared insights on the obstacles hindering the growth of the tourism industry in the country. One of the key challenges highlighted was the country's inability to attract a larger number of tourists compared to other global destinations. The lack of tourism share on a global scale can be attributed to various issues, including infrastructural limitations, connectivity challenges, policy inconsistencies, and inadequate international marketing efforts. Akko emphasized the need for East African countries to collectively address the negative narrative surrounding the continent and improve international perceptions. He underscored the importance of sharing authentic stories and engaging in effective marketing strategies to attract more visitors. While individual countries within the East African Community have taken steps to promote tourism in source markets, Akko pointed out the significance of private sector investments in enhancing the sector's growth. Policy harmonization emerged as another critical hurdle affecting the tourism industry, with stakeholders facing difficulties in aligning their strategies and objectives. Akko acknowledged that different countries within the region target diverse tourism markets, leading to varying policies and approaches. However, he highlighted the importance of fostering connectivity and supporting the business community, particularly the private sector, to drive tourism development. Despite the existing challenges, Akko expressed optimism about the future of the tourism sector in Tanzania. He noted a positive trend in the current season, indicating a promising outlook for the industry. When discussing the effectiveness of public-private partnerships versus public-private cooperation, Akko emphasized the need for a flexible approach. Depending on the circumstances, both partnership and cooperation models can yield successful outcomes in advancing tourism initiatives. Looking ahead, stakeholders in Tanzania's tourism sector are encouraged to address infrastructural deficiencies, enhance regional connectivity, and elevate marketing efforts to position the country as a competitive destination on the global stage. By overcoming key challenges and fostering collaborations, Tanzania aims to attract a larger share of the tourism market and contribute significantly to the country's economic development.