Government tells KRTO to desist from posing as regulatory body

The statement further added that KRTO, which also oversees the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP), must operate within its legal mandate and comply with the Tourism Act.

The warning comes amid growing concerns over the influence of private certification programmes in the Kilimanjaro trekking industry.

The ministry further said tourism companies, organisations and associations must comply with statutory requirements governing registration, licensing, service standards and tourism operations.

It stressed that private organisations cannot assume functions reserved for government institutions or other bodies legally mandated to regulate the sector.

The ministry directed KRTO to stop presenting itself as having the authority to certify, approve or declare tourism companies or agents legally authorised to conduct mountain tourism.

It also warned the organisation against presenting its “responsible tour operator” criteria in a manner that could be interpreted as a legal requirement or official government certification.

According to the ministry, information published on KRTO’s website and through international networks could create the impression that it is the final authority on the legality of companies operating in the mountain tourism sector.

Such representations, it said, could adversely affect operators holding valid licences issued by competent authorities.

KRTO was further cautioned against assuming statutory responsibility for protecting or representing mountain porters beyond powers granted to it by law, or interfering with licensed tourism operators without a legal basis.

The ministry warned that any threats, directives or enforcement action against operators based on powers not granted to KRTO by law would be unacceptable.

It said continued activities outside the organisation’s mandate, including statements that could mislead the public about the legal status of tourism companies or interfere with government functions, would be considered detrimental to the tourism sector.

“Appropriate action” would be taken without further notice if the conduct continued, the ministry said.

The Tanzania National Parks Authority, through Kilimanjaro National Park, will continue to oversee tourism activities within the park and ensure operators comply with laws, regulations, licence conditions and conservation requirements, it added.

The ministry said the government recognised the contribution of non-governmental organisations, tourism associations and private-sector stakeholders to the development of the tourism industry.

However, it stressed that voluntary standards on responsible tourism, workers’ welfare and sustainability must not be confused with statutory