The Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) in the US (represented by The Bradford Group), in association with the Africa Travel Association, hosted a gala travel industry reception in New York City as part of a two week trade and investment mission led by H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania. The festive evening which took place at “24 Fifth”, attracted more than 250 tour operators, travel agents, Africa Travel Association members and participants of the Trade & Investment Mission from Tanzania, including representatives of Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) and Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA).

Special Guests from Tanzania were Ambassador Dr. Augustine Mahiga, Tanzania’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Peter Mwenguo, Managing Director, TTB, Mr. Elvis Musiba, Board Member, NCAA, Mr. Bernard Murunya, Tourism Manager, NCAA, Rtd. Col. E.S. Balele, Chairman, Board of Trustees, TANAPA, Mr.Gerald Bigurube, Director General, TANAPA, Mr. Joseph Kessy, Planning Manager, TANAPA.

Ambassador Mahiga, in his welcoming remarks said Tanzania, the largest country in East Africa, with its rich cultural heritage, history, world renowned wildlife and natural wonders, archeological monuments, miles of beautiful white sand beaches along the Indian Ocean coast, offers visitors a diverse array of attractions. But just as important to the visitor, Tanzania, since its independence in 1961, has enjoyed peace and stability in a democratic environment. “This in fact has been one of the themes of H.E. President Kikwete’s mission to the US, to promote the excellent environment that Tanzania offers for tourism as well as tourism investment.

Tanzania tourism expecting dramatic 12% increase in 2006

According to TTB Managing Director, Peter Mwenguo, the number of tourists visiting Tanzania has been increasing steadily. Already in 2006, Tanzania arrivals worldwide are expected to reach 700,000, representing an increase of approximately 12% over the figures for 2005 (612,000). What is the special lure that Tanzania holds for Americans?

Mwenguo says that it is the fact that more and more Americans are seeking new places for Adventure Travel and to interact with the local people and learn about their culture. Tanzania offers all this, in a warm, friendly, safe and English speaking environment (English is the official language along with Kiswahili).

He added that visitors could choose from a wide range of accommodations, from camping to world class luxury. A growing number of transatlantic airlines offer better access from US gateways, KLM / Northwest, British Airways, South African Airways, Emirates and Ethiopian Airlines.

Mwenguo noted that although Tanzania is often perceived as a slightly more expensive destination, the country offers the best value for money and quality of services. We have been very careful to protect Tanzania from becoming a mass tourism destination. Our low volume/ high yield policy has kept the crowds from the parks and protected the quality of the visitors’ vacation experience.

Mr. Elvis Musiba, Board Member, Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA), closed the evening by thanking those travel agents and tour operators already selling Tanzania for their continued support and encouraging travel agents not yet familiar with the destination, to come and experience Tanzania for themselves.