Tour guides prepare for new tourism season amid challenges
Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ambassador Dr Pindi Chana.
What you need to know:
- The meeting highlighted several urgent issues, including the lack of health insurance coverage for guides and deteriorating infrastructure within national parks, particularly roads damaged by seasonal rains.
Arusha. Members of the Tanzania Tour Guides Association (TTGA) gathered in Arusha for their 26th Annual General Meeting to address key challenges and strategise for the upcoming tourism season, which kicks off in June.
The Director of Wildlife from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism., Alex Lobora, opening the meeting of Tanzania’s tour guides held in Arusha, where they convened to discuss their challenges and explore solutions in preparation for the upcoming tourism season.
The meeting highlighted several urgent issues, including the lack of health insurance coverage for guides and deteriorating infrastructure within national parks, particularly roads damaged by seasonal rains.
Members of TTGA during their annual meeting.
These concerns were formally presented to the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ambassador Dr Pindi Chana.
TTGA Secretary Robert Max called on the government to reinstate the health insurance programme for tour guides, which was recently suspended.
"Many of us are struggling to access medical care due to our harsh working conditions," Max said, highlighting the risks associated with exposure to dust, dangerous animals, and disease-carrying insects.
Additionally, Max urged for urgent repairs to the damaged roads within protected areas.
"Many routes have been in poor condition for far too long, and we need them fixed before the tourism season begins," he added.
Tourism investor and senior tour guide Wilbard Chambulo also raised concerns about the lack of formal education and qualifications for tour guides.
"Most of us have learned the trade through on-the-job experience, which limits career opportunities," Chambulo explained.
He called on the government to introduce formal curricula in higher education institutions and pass legislation to regulate and enhance the tour guiding profession.
"Legal recognition will not only safeguard our rights but will also raise service standards, attract more tourists, and ultimately increase national revenue," he said.
The Director of Wildlife at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Mr Alex Lobora acknowledged the essential role of tour guides in the country's tourism industry.
"Tour guides are key stakeholders in helping us achieve our goals of increasing tourist numbers and revenue," Lobora stated.
Tour guides during their annual meeting to discuss their challenges and strategies for addressing them ahead of the new tourism season.
He assured the attendees that the government is committed to improving working conditions for guides and expanding economic opportunities in the sector.
The government is also aiming to increase the tourism sector's contribution to the GDP from the current 17 percent to 20 percent in the coming years.
Mr Baraka Ladislaus, the Northern Zone Manager for NMB Bank, spoke about the bank’s initiatives to support tourism stakeholders.
"We are ready to assist tour operators and service providers in overcoming financial constraints that hinder their ability to deliver quality services," he said.
NMB Bank offers affordable loans designed to help businesses within the tourism sector, including development loans, low-interest credit for business expansion, and funding for hotel construction and tourism infrastructure.
