Tanzania Tourism & Tourism Related News Thread

[kiligoland]

Ngorongoro lodge bags coveted travel award

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is this year’s winner of the prestigious World Travel Award-2011 as Tanzania’s Leading Safari Lodge.

The announcement was made recently in Sharm El- Sheikh, Egypt during the 18th Annual World Travel Awards.

At a colourful ceremony held at Soho Square, Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge emerged winner for the third year running since 2009, having scooped similar awards in 2005 and 2006 respectively.

The World Travel Award serves to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel, tourism and hospitality industry with 180,000 industry professionals from around the world who all participate in the voting process.

Located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge has been in business since 1996, under the management of Serena Hotels.

The area covers 8,292 square kilometres running from the Serengeti National Park to the north and to Karatu, a town due south of NCA.

The NCA is designated as a multiple land use area where both conservation of natural resources and controlled human development are integrated.

To remain in line with the conservation of natural resources, the construction process of Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge ensured that no trees were cut down.

Serena Country Sales Manager, David Sem said instead pathways were roped off to keep workers out of the bush, and fines were levied against anyone ‘trespassing’ beyond the ropes.

The dimensions and location of the dining/lounge area were even altered to accommodate a particularly beautiful old fig tree. “Today it continues to keep up with the local traditions and culture while providing high standards of facilities and service and the true Tanzanian hospitality,” Sem noted.

The main geological attractions include the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s biggest intact caldera with an area of 304 square kilometers and 610 meters depth. Other geological features of particular interest are the Empakai Crater, Oldoinyo Lengai Mountain, among others.

The population of wildlife in their thousands, Maasai pastoralists, Tagoga agro-pastoralists and the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers communities with their rich cultural resources make NCA the place to visit.

Indeed, the NCA receives large numbers of visitors every year and naturally, the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge hosts the majority of them.

Also to note is the Maasai community that is settled around the lodge. Historically, it’s believed that the Maasai moved into the Serengeti and Ngorongoro areas in the 17th Century after traveling hundreds of miles from the northern tip of Africa. The Maasai are truly unique as they have firmly held onto their social structure while others had no qualms about discarding theirs.

“We at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge have recognized the Maasais as truly special people and have supported them in various ways including supporting their education…” said the lodge manager Dismas Simba on a telephone interview.

“We funded the construction of one of the few schools in this area known as the Oloirobi Primary School, and we have also provided direct employment for casual labour and provided a ready market for their local produce,” he said.

SOURCE: GUARDIAN ON SUNDAY

[kiligoland]

Maige: More tourists coming for Uhuru anniversary

As Tanzania prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the independence of Tanganyika, Natural Resources and Tourism minister Ezekiel Maige has said tourism continues to show tremendous growth with more visitors flocking in.

This was revealed recently at the Africa Travel Association’s (ATA) Sixth Annual Presidential Forum which took place at the Kimmel Centre for University Life in New York University.

Karen Hoffman, president of Bradford Group based in the US who is also the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) representative there told The Guardian yesterday that Maige was in the US where he led a high-level Tanzania tourism delegation to encourage investment in infrastructure, hotels and lodges, as well as meet with tourism partners.

Their focus was to invite them invest to Tanzania and attract US travelers to see the country’s exceptional blend of scenery of wildlife and human culture, she said.

In an effort to increase tourism, Maige and his delegation met with Terry Dale, president of US Tour Operators Association (USTOA) whom he discussed various issues relating to tourism sector and how they can collaborate to bring tourists from that part of the world.

Besides, Maige was also in US to attend the sixth ATA forum, the event which was sponsored by TTTB and Tanzania National Parks (Tanapa).

The major goal of the event was to provide a unique opportunity to promote travel and tourism to African and discuss the key issues facing tourism development on the continent and to raise ‘Destination Africa’ profile on the global tourism stage, she said. The delegation then proceeded to Washington for the third annual diaspora council of Tanzanians in the US, which culminated into a gala dinner to mark the 50th anniversary of independence.

The minister said the ministry is working closely with tour operators to create special 50th anniversary packages that would be diverse and affordable, enabling many people to experience the country’s achievements come December 9, 2011.

Tourism is among the country’s fastest growing economic sectors, with 782,669 tourist arrivals in 2010, representing 9 per cent up from that of 2009.

In the US, the number-one source of tourism, tour operators reported a tremendous increase in bookings in 2011, for this year, and for 2012 and 2013.

The result of this growth is an increased demand for expanding hotel capacity as well as flights.

As the country celebrates 50 years of a peaceful and stable democracy, Tanzania continues to be a prosperous and investment friendly country, he said.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

[kiligoland]

Melia Hotels International SA : Meliá Zanzibar, the first Spanish resort in Tanzania, ready to open on 1 October

apparently the hotel already opened

On October 1, Meliá Hotels & Resorts will continue with its globalisation and brand enhancement plans with the opening of an exclusive luxury resort on the exotic island of Zanzibar (Tanzania), a leading African travel destinations is located in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

The Meliá Zanzibar Hotel is built on a 100 acre estate with a private beach in the northeast of the island, making the hotel an oasis of rest, providing the most exclusive European luxury standards. This 5-star resort features 7 stunning villas with private pools and gardens, along with a hundred rooms with lounges, large bathrooms, outdoor tropical rain shower and garden or terrace with sea views, an original and attractive style inspired by the most exotic paradise.

Gabi Beach, the spectacular hotel beach club, invites you to enjoy a true African wilderness experience on the sand, attended by the luxurious beach concierge service. The Club enjoys a privileged location, surrounded by palm trees, with large Balinese beds to enjoy the magnificent views of the reef, and the cuisine features by a large wood-fired oven, complemented by a menu of grilled dishes.

The hotel also offers several dining experiences. "Spices" is reminiscent of the tradition of the spice markets in Stone Town (Zanzibar's capital city), serving international cuisine with a strong Arab and African influence on both the à la carte menu and buffet. The restaurant opens out onto a lovely terrace protected by native trees allowing outdoor dining. The "Aqua" restaurant is an original Meliá dining concept located on the cliff top and offering an à la carte menu of Mediterranean and African flavours. The Pool Bar is ideal for light meals, pasta, sandwiches, burgers and snacks. The hotel dock is home to the large "Jetty Bar & Lounge", a stunning location at the foot of the ocean, serving international snacks and tapas to savour whilst enjoying the sun. Finally, "The Library" is a signature bar serving a select international wine list and champagne.

The luxurious "Anantara" spa is an oasis of beauty and tranquillity in harmony with the environment, providing an inner and outer wellbeing experience using the aromas of oils and the world's most exotic elixirs. The spa features six private treatment cabins, two outdoor Thai massage pavilions, a lap pool with sundeck and a fitness centre with sauna. Treatments are based on Thai, Ayurvedic and Balinese techniques, incorporating indigenous herbs. The hotel also offers facilities for beach and water sports, and bicycles to enjoy inside the resort. Children will enjoy the Kids Club overlooking the pool.

The hotel will open its doors on October 1, after having been adapted to the Meliá Hotels & Resorts brand standards, and aims to become a benchmark for Spanish quality and luxury in one of the most attractive destinations in Africa. Meliá Zanzibar adds to the Spanish brand's presence in Africa, alongside the hotels in Egypt and Cape Verde.

[kiligoland]

Zanzibar gets new hotel

MELIiá Hotels International, has opened a five-star resort in Zanzibar.

Speaking with journalists at the end of last week, the General Manager of Melia Zanzibar, Mr Marko Janssen, said that he was pleased with the opening of this new resort.

"It is an exclusive resort and we are very proud of this new African wilderness, surrounded by luxurious beach services. Our guests are guaranteed an experience that they will never forget," he said.

Janssen added that they have the task force that conducts training on various departments from housekeeping to food and beverage and the focal point being food and beverage to keep the Melia Hotels Standards exceeding guests expectations.

Tanzania is the third country that Meliá Hotels International has opened a hotel followed by Egypt and Cape Verde, as explained by Janssen.

"Tanzania is the first country in East Africa we decided to invest in, as to why Zanzibar, it's beautiful surroundings and the natural environment which is the key point in consideration".

The hotel opened its doors on October 1, after having been adapted to the Meliá Hotels & Resorts brand standards, and aims to become a benchmark for Spanish quality and luxury in one of the most attractive destinations in Africa. Meliá Zanzibar adds to the Spanish brand's presence in Africa, alongside the hotels in Egypt and Cape Verde.

http://www.dailynews.co.tz/business/...9&cat=business

[kiligoland]

visit TANZANIA

[bantugbro]

Originally Posted by kiligoland

visit TANZANIA

Great promo

[kiligoland]

THE country’s online travel agency, Travelstart Tanzania has started operating in Kenya as it seeks to exploit the East African Community (EAC) market.

In a statement issued in Dar es Salaam on Monday, Travelstate’s Managing Director, Mustafa Rajani said the agency which was established last year, has extended its reach to Nairobi and future plans are to expand to other EAC capitals.

“Travelstart website not only offers cheap flights but also a variety of airlines to choose from and after booking one can pay by cash, bank deposit, through M-pesa, or credit cards,” said Mr Rajani.

However, he said the company does not sideline potential travellers who can’t access computers and buy their tickets online as there is a sales outlet that caters for traditional travel segments.

http://www.dailynews.co.tz/business/...6&cat=business

“Apart from cheaper flight options, Travelstart website which is accessible 24 hours throughout the week is an important medium for those who want to book a flight on Saturdays or Sundays when travel agents close shops”, he said.

He said the company is coming up with a promotion campaign whereby anyone who books a DAR-Mwanza or DAR-Dubai flight will be offered one night hotel accommodation in Mwanza or Dubai complimentary.
In recent days, the country’s aviation industry has witnessed the arrival of several international airlines including Fly540, Oman Air, Emirates Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Egypt Air, Rwanda Air and Qatar Airways.

[kiligoland]

Dar es Salaam`s long time idle hotels Motel Agip, Embassy finally get investor




Motel Agip and Hotel Embassy, once the leading hotels in the city’s central business district, which for a long time have been without investor, have been acquired by Wellworth Group of Companies.
A statement issued by the group on Sunday in Dar es Salaam said rehabilitation activities of the hospitality facilities will start with Embassy Hotel followed by Motel Agip to recapture their formal glory.
The statement said already architects have started to redesign the building which has remained idle for many years.
It is expected that the rehabilitation work will take at least two years before the facility starts operations.
However the statement said rehabilitation work for the Motel Agip would start depending on the availability of funds.
The statement added that some additional exciting projects in the construction stages are Whispering Palms Resort in Zanzibar, Oldeani Ngorongoro Mountain Lodge in Karatu, Ngorongoro Lake Masek Lodge in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Mikumi Mahondo Wildlife Lodge and Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge in Manyara.
Meanwhile, the statement said Karibu Hospitality has been appointed to manage all the present and future hospitality units belonging to the Group.
“Karibu Hospitality who presently manage Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha, has been chosen as the official hospitality management company for the Wellworth Group of companies, a change that is set to make some major waves in the industry…,” the statement said.
“Wellworth Hotels, Resorts and Lodges which owns Kunduchi Beach Resort and Zanzibar Beach Resort, appointed Karibu Hospitality to operate and manage all of their existing hospitality products, whose team has jumped in with enthusiasm and vigour to set new trends in the industry,” it said.
The Wellworth Group is a consortium of companies dealing in various trades ranging from hotels, lodges, resorts, apartments, water parks, restaurants, property development/real estate to boutiques, leather shop, paints, hardware and building materials and printing and stationeries.
Investigations by this paper have revealed that few years ago the government sold off its 40 per cent shares in Embassy Hotel to Karmali Juma & Sons at a price of USD538,640.The estimated current value of the hotel stands at USD1.3m, taking into account the location and the asset.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

[kiligoland]

Mövenpick rebranded as Serena

http://www.dailynews.co.tz/business/...6&cat=business

EAST Africa’s hotel chain —Tourism Promotion Services (TPS) plans to officially include the Mövenpick Royal Palm Hotel in Dar es Salaam under its portfolio following an acquisition of the hotel that will be rebranded as Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel effective December 1, this year.

TPS (D) Limited owned by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), TPS Eastern Africa Limited (TPSEAL), PDM (Holdings) Limited, PROPARCO and NORFUND, is the acquiring company.

The Mövenpick Royal Palm Hotel is a 230-room five-star hotel in the city, strategically located in the commercial heart of the country.

The Hotel will be positioned as the premier up-market five-star Hotel for corporate and leisure clientele, offering the finest food and beverage outlets as well as conference and banquet facilities.

Each of the 230 rooms has a spectacular view of the Garden, Golf Course, Indian Ocean or the City. Mahmud Jan Mohamed, the Managing Director, TPSEAL, said that he was pleased that the hotel group has finally established presence in Dar es Salaam.

The Group currently employs 3,400 East African staff at the Serena properties in Tanzania, Zanzibar, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda.

“We believe that the expansion of the Serena brand in Dar es Salaam will strengthen Tanzania’s position as a key player in the meetings, incentives, conferences and events segment whilst also attracting the leisure clientele”, Mr Mohamed said.

The Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel is the latest addition to the TPS, Serena Hotels Group, which is the tourism arm of the (AKFED), an international development agency.

[jpet]

Hiyo ni bomba!!

[TZBoy]

PRESIDENT Jakaya Kikwete has challenged education institutions to make every effort to provide first-rate training to students in a quest to meet acceptable international standards which demand provision of outstanding services.

Speaking at the opening of a new National College of Tourism campus in Dar es Salaam on Saturday, President Kikwete said good services provided by stakeholders in tourism and other sectors make good names.

"It is true that we need funds to advertise our wealth in wildlife, but good services extend reputation across the continents. It is necessary to have teaching curriculum, trainers and graduates who satisfy the international market demand," President Kikwete said.

Giving an example of a detrimental attitude among entrepreneurs which is closely related to the danger of taking things for granted, the president said it was not proper to sit back assuming that since everyone knows that Mount Kilimanjaro is in Tanzania, tourists would just come automatically.

The president called for additional efforts in classified adverts. "We need our graduates to be equally competent. I have been to several countries only to discover that there are hotel attendants from East Africa but none from Tanzania. Training institutions must produce highly qualified graduates".

Again, good services would not be separated from integrity, said the president. Every one has to abide by professional ethics.

"If, for example, a visitor forgets a valuable property in the room and comes back looking for the lost item, honesty would lead one to keep safe the property and hand it over to owner instead of asking the visitor: "why not taking proper care of personal belongings," he explained.

Earlier, the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ezekiel Maige, said in July 2004 the government signed an agreement with the French Development Fund (AFD) for the funding of construction work of a new college of tourism.

"AFD pledged 4.7 million euros and the government of France in 2008 added one million euros to enhance construction of the college. The aim is to make the college a centre of excellence, the first of its kind in East Africa. It is equipped with modern facilities," Maige explained.

The minister said the cost of the project was 7,725,529 euros. Out of the amount, the French government offered 5,770,377 euros and 1,955,152 euros were given by the government of Tanzania.

In this academic year 2010/2011 a total of 300 students joined the college pursuing studies at the level of certificate and diploma in cookery, hotel catering, room keeping (cleanliness) and reception.

By BILHAM KIMATI, 10th December 2011
http://www.dailynews.co.tz/home/?n=26311&cat=home

[kiligoland]

KIA upgrading set to boost tourism promo initiatives


http://www.dailynews.co.tz/business/...7&cat=business

AN ambitious project to expand and modernise Kilimanjaro International Airport by 2015 that will allow more world class airlines to ply to and fro with tourist arrivals will take off mid next January thanks to a grant from Netherlands government.

The 57.5bn/- will also assist to almost double horticulture exports much of which is shipped abroad through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport much as it will do the same to the number of tourist arrivals who will increase from 650,000 currently to more than one million per annum.

Kilimanjaro Airport Development Company (KADCO), Chief Executive Officer, Marco van de Kreeke said design work for the project is due to start next January with actual construction work starting.

in 2013/14 season. The Tanzanian and Dutch governments signed an agreement for the grant on November 23 this year.

Mr van de Kreeke said in a statement last weekend that during the renovation phase, the runway, taxiways and aprons of the airport will be overhauled and resurfaced. “A new taxiway will be built to increase the capacity of the airport and the terminal building will be upgraded and expanded to accommodate the growing flow of tourists into Northern Tanzania.”

Annually, over 650,000 passengers pass through KIA which is only second to Dar es Salaam’s Julius Nyerere International Airport in size and number of passengers. “This is a big step for KADCO and Kilimanjaro airport. The rehabilitation of KIA has been an important goal since the airport’s privatization,” van de Kreeke pointed out.

[kiligoland]

AFTER MISS TOURISM ONCE AGAIN TANZANIA TO HOST MISS UNITED NATIONS

Baada ya Tanzania kwa mara ya kwanza kuwa wenyeji wa shindano la Dunia la urembo miaka mitano iliyopita, shindano la Miss Tourism World 2006 lililo fanyika katika ukumbi wa Ubungo Plaza 11-3-2006, Kupitia Miss Tourism Tanzania Organisation ,waandaaji wa mashindano ya Miss Utalii Tanzania, Tanzania imepewa heshima tena ya kuwa wenyeji wa shindano jingine la Dunia, safari hii ikiwa ni shindano la Miss Umoja wa Mataifa 2011 (Miss United Nation 2011), ambalo limepangwa kufanyika nchini mwezi Disemba 2011 mwezi ambao Tanzania itakuwa inaadhimisha miaka 50 ya uhuru. Shindano hilo litashirikisha nchi 120 kutoka duniani kote na litaonyeshwa moja kwa moja toka Tanzania katika Televisheni mbalimbali Duniani kote.
Akithibitisha habari hizo, Rais wa Miss Utalii Tanzania, Erasto Gideon Chipungahelo, alisema kuwa mkataba wa awali umekwisha sainiwa na waandaaji hao wa Miss Umoja wa Mataifa,na taratibu za kufanyika kwa shindano hilo nchini zinaendelea, ikiwemo kutoa Taarifa Serikalini kupitia Baraza la Sanaa la Taifa (BASATA) ,ambayo ni Mamlaka ya Serikali ya kusimamia Sanaa na Burudani nchini.
Aidha Chipungahelo, alithibitisha kuwa Rais wa Dunia wa Miss Umoja wa Mataifa Neville Wiliams,akiambatana na ujumbe wa kamati ya Dunia ya mashindano hayo anatarajiwa kuwasili nchini mwishoni mwa mwezi wa sita mwaka huu, katika Ziara ya ukaguzi na kukamilisha taratibu husika ikiwemo kufanya mkutano wa kimataifa wa waandishi wa habari . Akiwa nchini atafanya mikutano na viongozi mbalimbali wa mamlaka za Serikali, makampuni binafsi na mashirika ya umma ambayo yanaweza kudhamini fainali hizo za dunia. Pia watakutana na kukagua vituo mbalimbali vya Televisheni nchini, ili kupata kituo cha Televisheni kitakacho shirikiana na vituo vya nje kurusha na kusambaza Matangazo ya moja kwa moja ya fainali hizo kutokea Tanzania.
Wakati wa fainali hizo, pamoja na warembo 120,wanatarajiwa kuambatana na wakurugenzi wao wa taifa 120, waandishi wa habari kutoka katika nchi zao 120,waandishi wa habari wa kimataifa 60,marafiki na wanafamilia wa washiriki 240,viongozi wa mashindano hayo 15 na wataalam wa mashindano hayo 30. Zaidi ya wageni 705 kutoka nje wanatarajiwa kuwako nchini kwa ajili ya shindano hilo, ambalo litaangaliwa moja kwa moja na zaidi ya watazamaji Bilioni 1 wa Televisheni na mitandao ya Tovuti duniani kote.
Hii itakuwa ni fulsa nyingine ya pekee kwa Tanzania kujitangaza kitalii, kiuchumi na kitamaduni, pia kuonyesha moja kwa moja mafanikio makubwa ya Tanzania katika miaka 50 baada ya uhuru, tulio upata mwaka 1961 kutoka wakoloni wa Uingereza.
Tunatoa mwito kwa makampuni ya Tanzania, na Watanzania kwa ujumla kujitokeza kudhamini fainali hizi za Dunia, ili kupata fulsa ya kujitangaza kimataifa na kuweza kupenyeza bidhaa na Huduma za Tanzania katika soko la kimataifa.
Tanzania katika fainali hizo itawakilishwa na Miss Utalii Tanzania 2011, Adelqueen Njozi.

[kiligoland]

Tanzania ranked highly as tourist destination

By The Citizen Reporter

Dar es Salaam. A world renowned newspaper has selected Tanzania among 45 places for tourists to visit in 2012, saying: “Tanzania is coming into its own as an upscale safari destination”.

The New York Times said in its January 6 edition that Tanzania emerged number seven out of the 45 selected places to go in 2012.

Reacting to the revelation, the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) managing director, Dr Aloyce Nzuki, said yesterday that the selection of Tanzania among the 45 favourable destinations was a positive thing.

“We have strategies in place aimed at making Tanzania among the most favourable places to visit,” said Dr Nzuki, promising to give more details today. In its article, The New York Times quoted East African travel specialists, including Hippo Creek Safaris and Abercrombie & Kent, as saying that for the last several years, the number of tourists going to Tanzania has been edging up.

“But it wasn’t until several violent attacks on visitors to neighbouring Kenya that the numbers really took off, as Tanzania started to absorb skittish Kenya-bound safari seekers,” said the newspaper.

It said not that Tanzania is coasting along solely on Kenya’s troubles; it always had Mount Kilimanjaro, after all.
“And now other attractions are being discovered, too — places like Gibb’s Farm, a small lodge from which guests can hike to the Ngorongoro Crater area, a prime destination for big game viewing,” said the paper.

In addition, said The New York Times, the opening of exclusive safari reserves like the Singita Grumeti along the Serengeti plains and the upscale camps managed by Nomad Tanzania and Chem Chem are evidence that the country’s tourist infrastructure is becoming more sophisticated, perhaps even catching up to Kenya’s.

Apart from Tanzania, other African countries picked by The New York Times as a place to go in 2012 were Morocco that emerged number 26 and Uganda which emerged number 33.

Under its sub-title: Stability and sustainable tourism restore luster to Africa’s pearl, The New York Times said marred by the murderous regime of Idi Amin in the 1970s, Uganda remained largely off the typical African safari tour map.
“But after more than two decades of relative stability under President Yoweri Museveni, the country that Winston Churchill called the “pearl of Africa” is regaining some of its allure for tourists,” said the paper.

It added that while Uganda has not been without problems, including twin bombings in Kampala during the 2010 World Cup, some street clashes during political protests last year and a history of extreme antagonism toward gay people, it’s still considered one of the more stable countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

The paper said the country is perhaps best known to tourists as the home of half of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas, and this year there are more opportunities to spot the elusive creatures.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority recently added two gorilla families to the groups it tracks on tours in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a Unesco World Heritage site in southwest Uganda, said the paper.

The paper said beyond up-close gorilla encounters, Uganda is also the source of the Nile, boasts mountains that are among the highest in Africa — the Mountains of the Moon in Rwenzori Mountains National Park — and offers formidable white-water rapids for thrill seekers.

The paper ranked Panama number one place to visit in 2012, saying it has been 12 years since Panama regained control of its canal, and the country’s economy is booming.

“Cranes stalk the skyline of the capital, Panama City, where high-rises sprout one after the next and immigrants arrive daily from around the world,” said The New York Times.

[bantugbro]

Originally Posted by kiligoland

Any updates on this?

[kiligoland]

Originally Posted by bantugbro

Any updates on this?

just wait

[kiligoland]

Marine tourism set to grow - experts

http://www.ippmedia.com/

Stakeholders praise naval patrols along Indian Ocean

he Tanzania Society of Travel Agents (TASOTA) has hailed the government move to tighten security along the Indian Ocean saying that this would boost marine tourism this year.
Speaking in an emailed interview, the Society Chairman Moustapha Khataw, said their main concern had been the notable decrease in marine tourism particularly of cruise ships coming to Tanzania due to security in the Indian Ocean mainly attributed to Somali pirates.
“We are glad that our naval forces have been able to provide extra security and hope that this year we will see a couple of cruise ships docking at Dar es Salaam port,” he stated.

Service, Dr Hussein Mwinyi Tanzania has joined the international community in fighting piracy along the East African coast as Somali pirates continue to hijack commercial ships along the route.
Khataw said: "The government and those in tourism should join hands and move the industry forward, hence increase revenue and people's welfare."
According to him, cultural tourism should be promoted by allowing people to start their own businesses, as is the case in developed countries. He said regulation must be simple and easy in order not to discourage investors.
He urged Tanzanians to create the culture of visiting tourist attractions in various parts of the country.
He said Tasota in collaboration with the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB), was planning to develop untapped tourism potentials in the Southern circuit this year.
“For 2012, our priorities are to establish a Secretariat manned by an Executive Secretary who will handle all aspects of TASOTA's operations and be a liaison officer with the Government institutions and Tourism Confederation of Tanzania (TCT),” he said.
A tourism expert identified as Athanas Bukosi said for the past 50 years Tanzania has achieved remarkable growth in various sectors including tourism.
“We have witnessed an increase in flight frequency, new airlines, more hotels opening up in many parts of the country which is a good indicator for economic growth,” he said.
Experts in the tourism industry are optimistic that cultural tourism resources would continue to serve as a base for Tanzania's tourism industry. Last year Tanzania received over 700,000 tourists, fetching just over USD 1 billion, making the sector the leading foreign exchange earner for the country.

[Uhuru na Umoja]

Tanzania is also a home for nearly all Military bases of Africa's longest and biggest Liberation Struggle, those bases are now historical sites. SOUTH AFRICA: ANC, PAC, SACP; MOZAMBIQUE: FRELIMO; ANGOLA: MPLA; NAMIBIA: SWAPO; ZIMBABWE: ZANU, though ZAPU leaders were mostly in Tanzania but its pro-Russian military wing [ZIPRA] was operating mainly from ZAMBIA.

O.R Tambo Edu Tour among new initiatives of TOURISM.
One of these is the OR Tambo Educational Tour - a nation-building partnership with Sowetan, Kaya FM, Soweto TV and South African Airways.

The 10-day all expenses paid tour of Tanzania, starts in the capital, Dar Es Salaam, where they will visit various heritage sites.
The better part of the tour will take place in Morogoro, where the historic 1969 ANC conference took place. The site is now a guest house-cum-hotel.

After the intense programme the students will unwind for two days in serene Zanzibar, a small island off Tanzania with its own unique history of slavery.
http://www.sowetanlive.co.za/columni...se-of-our-time

WINNERS of the yearly Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College Trust Initiative-organised O.R. Tambo Edu Tour of Tanzania left Johannesburg yesterday.
http://www.sowetanlive.co.za/goodlif...ff-to-tanzania


...more and more TOURISTS to come: as..the SOMAFCO Trust will soon launch the SOMAFCO Young Writers Competition. The program is linked to The Annual Educational Tour to Tanzania which will be amplified for the year 2012. The program encourages literacy amongst the youth and also aims to preserve and promote heritage in a manner that is relevant to young people today."
http://www.facebook.com/pages/OR-Tam...90846860970218

[Geza Ulole]

22nd January 12
French magazine fetes Olduvai Camp lodge
The Guardian Reporter

A tourist camp at the scenic Olduvai Gorge within the spectacular Ngorongoro conservation area has been voted as the best lodge in the world, lifting the Tanzania’s tourism to international limelight.

The Olduvai camp was named by the prestigious magazine, Hotel & Lodge for its annual awards ceremony in the French capital of Paris on January 11, at the Park Hyatt-Vendôme.

The magazine’s annual award event serves to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence of hotels and lodges across the world, especially in emerging markets.

More than 450 industry professionals from around the world were invited to participate in the voting process, where the Mount Kilimanjaro Safari Club owned Olduvai Camp emerged the winner.

A statement issued by the magazine says that initially about 60 lodges were selected worldwide to compete, with the final listing conducted by an independent jury of journalists, photographers and designers. At at the end, three properties made the final cut.

Competition was particularly fierce but Olduvai Camp of Tanzania was rated first, Molori Safari Lodge in South Africa came second, while The Ranch at Rock Creek in the United States was third. The three outclassed 57 other beautiful properties all over the world, it said.

Chief Editor Mrs AnneMarie Catellin le Du said Olduvai Camp’s latest face-lift of course played a crucial role in the competition, but above all, it was the unique spirit and atmosphere of Olduvai that made the difference, pushing it up the list.

“This is a true recognition of the passion and commitment of the Olduvai Camp owner, Mount Kilimanjaro Safari Club, and a much appreciated reflection of their long dedication to Tanzania,” Mrs Anne-Marie affirmed.

Receiving the award, MKSC Director Denis Lebouteux said: “We are very proud and happy to have been chosen for this prestigious prize. I would like to thank the journalists and the photographers who came and made a superb job.”

Mr Lebouteux was grateful to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area for offering them a unique site, and all of MKSC staff, camp team and all those who worked hard in Arusha to make Olduvai Camp to be the world’s best lodge.

“It is their dedication and loyalty that has contributed to where we are today,” he said in a statement. An incredible harmony of shapes and colors, the Olduvai Camp stands out as a remarkable adventure in hospitality.

Set in an ideal landscape for history and art lovers, photo maniacs and walkers the Olduvai Camp’s exterior is sleek with a unique combination of an "industrial" and a natural look.

The stylish interior, however, is in direct contrast - offering a warm, inviting and comfortable feel.
GUARDIAN ON SUNDAY
http://www.ippmedia.com/frontend/fun...le.php?l=37712

[kiligoland]

another good news in 2012

Olduvai Safari Camp at Sunsetimage hosted on flickr

Flickr 上 Leopard Studio/Jimmy Lonesome 的 Olduvai Safari Camp at Sunset