Tanzanian tour firm champions pro-poor tourism model

Arusha. A tour company based in Arusha, Tanzania Specialist, has developed a model to channel tourists’ spending directly to local communities in Tanzania’s northern tourist circuit.

Transferring revenue from international tourists to low-income residents near tourist hotspots has long been a challenge.

To address this, Tanzania Specialist has incorporated local Bajajis—three-wheeled motorised vehicles commonly known as tuk-tuks—into its Arusha city tours. This move aims to direct tourist dollars to disadvantaged groups.

On May 27, 2025, over 130 tourists from the Netherlands toured Arusha using Bajajis on their way to the airport before travelling to Serengeti National Park.

The initiative not only gave visitors a closer experience of the city but also provided temporary employment for 70 Bajaji drivers, with wider economic benefits reaching hundreds through multiplier effects.

“We cannot thank Tanzania Specialist enough for giving ordinary people a rare chance to benefit from tourism,” said a Bajaj driver, Mr Danny Singo.

Local police have supported the initiative by ensuring the safety of tourists using this mode of transport, which also promotes the region as a tourist destination.

Transport officer Mr Nathaniel Maduga described the use of Bajajis as a unique idea that has become a major attraction for visitors to Arusha.

He added that tourists enjoy Bajajis because they allow close-up views of the city’s scenery and culture while enabling interaction with local people.

“This is a different experience as a large group of tourists uses Bajaj transport to the airport. Tanzania Specialist’s effort helps us stand out in the tourism industry and benefits ordinary people,” Mr Maduga said.

Analysts have praised the community-centred approach, noting that it encourages a culture valuing conservation, tourism and hospitality, important for attracting international visitors. Managing director of Tanzania Specialist, Mr Epimark Mndevu (pictured), said the company aims to address historical injustices faced by communities near national parks. He highlighted the company’s role in promoting tourism and attracting global visitors thanks to extensive marketing and the region’s attractions. “The 131 tourists today are a small part of our annual visitors. Our unique methods set us apart from other tour companies,” Mr Mndevu said.

Since starting eight years ago, the company has focused on cultural tourism to benefit more Tanzanians.

“As a responsible company, our mission is to ensure tourism benefits local communities by finding ways to direct tourist dollars to ordinary people,” he added.

Tanzania Specialist has outlined a plan to develop cultural tourism as the next stage of growth in northern Tanzania. Analysts say cultural tourism is among the best ways to direct tourist income to poorer communities.

Though Tanzania’s northern safari circuit draws 700,000 tourists and generates $950 million annually, only 18 per cent—about $171 million—reaches local communities through multiplier effects. A study by SNV, Tracing the Tourist Dollar in Northern Tanzania, found that climbing Mount Kilimanjaro benefits low-income communities more than other attractions.

It revealed that 28 per cent of Kilimanjaro revenues reach poorer communities, compared to 19 per cent from other sites in the northern circuit.

This means the 56,000 tourists who climb Kilimanjaro each year, generating $50 million, contribute $14 million directly to people reliant on trekking for their livelihoods.

Wages and tips for guides and porters—all from disadvantaged backgrounds—are considered fully pro-poor.