Tanzania and South Africa Sign Agreement to Boost Tourism

28 February 2013

Tanzania and South Africa have signed an agreement to boost tourist numbers through an initiative known as Swahili Tourism Fair. The Swahili Tourism Fair is scheduled for October 2 to 5 at Mlimani City, Dar es Salaam. It will engage thousands of visitors including tourism investors from within and outside Africa. The project is supported by South Africa's biggest tourism promoter, Witch & Wizard Creative (Pty) Ltd. The initiative is projected to double the number of tourists visiting Tanzania. It will also lead to enormous investments in the sector in a span of five years, according to the managing director of the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB), Dr Aloyce Nzuki. “Until December last year Tanzania tourism figures stood at 950,000 foreign visitors with net earnings of $1.4 billion (about Sh2.24trillion) annually. We expect to attract more tourists with the implementation of the Swahili Tourism Fair during the first week of October every year” he said. As a result, Tanzania will see increased tourism proceeds, more business ventures and tax revenues. During the ceremony the South African High Commissioner in Tanzania, Mr Thanduyise Henry, signed the deal on behalf of the Republic of South Africa while TTB Board chairman Charles Sanga represented Tanzania. The Ambassador said that the country was striving to use the opportunity to tap tourism potentials by engaging competent Tourism Investors around the world who will participate in the Swahili Tourism Fair. “We are living in a global village. This event is crucial for attracting top Tourism Investors. Tanzanians should exploit this opportunity,” he said. The Swahili Tourism Fair is a continuation of the cordial relations between South Africa and Tanzania that has existed for several decades.