| Tap tourism potential for rapid economic growth | Send to a friend |
| Monday, 08 August 2011 21:57 |
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In his speech to inaugurate the current Parliament, President Jakaya Kikwete appreciated the development of Tanzania’s tourism as one of leading sectors.The President promised to make it a priority sector in the coming years. Sadly that does not seem to be the case. A five-year development plan, which the President launched, excludes tourism. This is a serious oversight which cannot pass without a comment. Tourism is the second largest contributor to the country’s gross domestic product and is one of the biggest employers. It is therefore too expensive to leave tourism untouched in the development plan and obviously a poor country like Tanzania cannot afford.The World Tourism Organisation is emphasising the importance of tapping potential of natural and cultural heritage for socioeconomic development. That can be done through promoting tourism. Tourism is one of unique sectors and Tanzania has vast potential.It has more competitive and comparative advantage than many countries in Africa and the rest of the world.The expectation is that the government and stakeholders should capitalise on the country’s competitive edge to prosper. That will be easier because it will involve less spending to unleash existing potential than venturing into a new turf. Currently the government is talking about revolutionising agriculture through the Kilimo Kwanza (Agriculture First) initiative.Of course, it is vital for the nation to be self-food sufficient and that can be done by investing heavily in agriculture. However, much can be gained in tourism by investing just half of what is to be spent on agriculture. Taking into account impacts of climate change, there are more uncertainties and risks in agriculture than in tourism. Unlike agriculture which is undertaken in areas that have favourable weather and fertile soil, cultural tourism can be practised wherever there is human life. However, rural areas where the majority of Tanzanians live and cultures are more conspicuous, cultural tourism can draw the interest of many people — local and foreign. Improving tourism will enable even rural dwellers to raise their incomes and reduce poverty.That can be achieved if the government creates an enabling environment for tourism to grow by having strong planning to link it with other sectors such as art and agriculture. The government should ensure that power and water supplies are adequate and reliable.Imposing indefinite electricity rationing throughout all parts of the national grid for up to 12 hours a day as the Tanzania Electric Supply Company has done is frustrating and augurs ill for tourism and other businesses. The power rationing has been worsening, and its effects on Tanzanian livelihoods are devastating. Since power outages during dry seasons are common other sources of energy should be explored and exploited to have ample and reliable electricity supply.Above all, the government should reconsider its position on tourism and, in particular domestic and cultural tourism, to steer the country’s economy to greater heights. There is evidence that tourism has taken Botswana out of a least developed country. Domestic tourism is the sleeping giant which needs to be woken up to contribute immensely to the economy. With more than 130 tribes, Tanzania has diverse cultures and values, which offer opportunities of learning among different groups within the country.The Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV), the Tanzania Tourist Board and the ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism have been promoting ecotourism, a low-impact form of tourism, with considerable success. But a lot is needed to enjoy its benefits fully. The government should understand what is needed do improve tourism. Currently, there are shocking increases in charges by villages to tourists.Such rates are pegged sometimes without even informing tour operators who confirm and accept payments sometimes as earlier as two years.It seems that we are obsessed with raising charges to tourists who visit rural areas or even who pass through those areas. Such measures are unhealthy because they discourage visitors. It is therefore important to regulated and standardise such fees in relation to services offered. Without doing so, we will make Tanzania an expensive destination. It is a pity that instead of removing barriers of doing business, we are actually creating them, with dire consequences in the short term or long term.Meanwhile I commend the government for listening to pleas of environmentalists who strongly warned against passing a highway through the Serengeti National Park. The writer filed this opinion from Arusha Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites           |
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