Tanzania: What needs to be done to revive tourism sector?

Tanzania's tourism sector is on the path to recovery as the country grapples with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest World Bank Economic Analysis highlights a unique opportunity for Tanzania to revitalize its tourism industry and drive inclusive growth in the long term. The executive secretary at the Tourism Confederation of Tanzania, Richard Rugimbana, shed light on the challenges and opportunities facing the sector during a recent interview. Tourism in Tanzania took a severe blow due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with devastating impacts on businesses. The sector was one of the hardest hit, experiencing a significant decline in international tourist arrivals and foreign currency revenue. The government, under President Magsafi, has recognized the plight of the tourism industry and is seeking support to bolster the economy and aid the recovery process. Rugimbana emphasized the importance of accelerating the vaccination process in Tanzania to instill confidence in visitors and ensure the safety of tourists. With the global rollout of vaccines, countries like Tanzania have the opportunity to attract visitors by demonstrating a commitment to public health and safety. The issuance of vaccine passports and certificates can further enhance travel confidence and facilitate the revival of the tourism sector. The executive secretary highlighted the potential of regional tourism to drive growth in Tanzania. By tapping into the neighboring countries and promoting travel within the region, Tanzania can leverage its geographical proximity to attract visitors. Initiatives such as creating tourism packages and promoting cross-border travel can help bridge the gap left by the decline in international tourism, fostering a resilient domestic tourism sector. Furthermore, Rugimbana addressed the challenges posed by high airfares within the East African Community (EAC). The cost of flights has been a barrier to intra-African travel, making it more affordable for tourists to fly to distant destinations than to neighboring countries. Collaborative efforts involving governments, regional carriers, and tourism stakeholders are crucial to addressing the airfare issue and promoting seamless travel within the EAC. In light of the upcoming launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Tanzania's investment in enhancing its tourism infrastructure, there is a growing emphasis on regional connectivity and travel accessibility. By streamlining air travel costs and enhancing intra-African tourism networks, Tanzania can unlock the potential of domestic tourism and foster economic growth within the region. As Tanzania charts a course towards revitalizing its tourism sector, collaboration, innovation, and strategic partnerships will be key to driving sustainable growth and rebuilding the industry's resilience in the post-pandemic era.