In January 2024, the government announced a significant wage increase for porters, raising their daily pay from $10 to $15.Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
Tourism
agents in Kilimanjaro are up in arms, calling for immediate government action
against the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KIPAP), which they accuse
of orchestrating a malicious smear campaign that's wreaking havoc on Tanzania's
hard-earned tourism reputation in Europe.
The
agents allege that KIPAP is unfairly blacklisting local tour companies, urging
European tourists to shun those not affiliated with their organization, and
spreading baseless claims that these companies mistreat porters.
Under
Tanzanian law, porters' rights are well-protected, with regulations mandating
fair wages, safe working conditions, and proper equipment for all laborers
involved in tourism. The country’s labor laws, including the Employment and
Labour Relations Act, ensure that porters receive timely payment, and adequate
rest, and are not subjected to hazardous working environments.
Despite these protections, KIPAP's actions are
seen as undermining local efforts to uplift the livelihoods of porters, while
simultaneously damaging the credibility of Tanzanian tour operators on the
global stage. Local stakeholders are demanding that the government take swift
action to defend the integrity of the industry and the rights of Tanzanian
workers.
KIPAP
has listed Tanzanian tour companies on its website, urging tourists to avoid
those not affiliated with them—a move local agents say is driving away clients
and tarnishing their businesses.
An
investigation reveals that KIPAP has registered 160 companies, including 60
local ones, and is pressuring European agents to shun Tanzanian companies
outside its fold. Local agents and porters' associations are questioning
KIPAP’s authority to dictate tourist choices, warning that the institution is
undermining the country’s tourism industry.
Gasper
Meela, a Kilimanjaro-based agent, criticized KIPAP: “They have no right to
oversee tour operators or decide who tourists should work with. This must
stop.”
Agents
express frustration as potential clients repeatedly inquire about their KIPAP
membership, only to withdraw when they find out the agents aren't affiliated.
KIPAP is also accused of spreading false claims that non-member agents underpay
porters and provide inadequate working conditions—allegations that local
operators strongly deny.
One
agent, speaking anonymously, lamented, "Our President, Mama Samia, has
done a tremendous job promoting our tourism, yet someone is out there
tarnishing our reputation in Europe. This is unacceptable."
Tanzania
Porters Organization (TPO) Secretary, Loishiye Mollel, warned that KIPAP's
actions could cripple the industry: “Tourism is open to all Tanzanians who meet
the requirements. KIPAP is crossing the line, and if left unchecked, it could
monopolize the market, undermining local operators.”
Mollel
added, "KIPAP’s project status does not grant it membership rights. It’s
insulting to suggest Tanzanians can’t manage their industry without foreign
intervention."
The
Director of Tourism, Theresa Mugobi, is investigating the claims against KIPAP.
Meanwhile, KIPAP Manager Kelvin Salla insists that the companies complaining
are those failing to provide fair wages and proper conditions for porters.
However, he did not address the allegations that KIPAP is advising European
agents to boycott Tanzanian operators.
Tourism
in Tanzania has reached a pivotal moment as the long-standing struggle of
porters, who assist tourists in carrying gear while hiking mountains, has
finally paid off. In January 2024, the government announced a significant wage
increase for porters, raising their daily pay from $10 to $15.
This victory marks not only a financial boost
for the porters but also a step toward enhancing the quality of hospitality
services for mountain climbers, which is expected to attract more tourists to
the country.
During
a crucial meeting, Alexander Lemunge, a representative from the Ministry of
Natural Resources and Tourism, emphasized the government’s commitment to
safeguarding the rights of porters, recognizing their critical role in the
tourism sector.
Lemunge
urged tour operators to implement the new agreements promptly, stressing that
any challenges encountered should be reported immediately to the relevant
authorities to prevent misunderstandings.
The
Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has also stepped in to support this
transition. Odupoi Papaa, a TRA representative, encouraged porters to obtain
their TIN numbers to ensure they receive payments in line with the new
agreements. He reassured them that the process is straightforward and free of
charge, with TRA officials ready to assist wherever needed.
This
wage increase is more than just a financial adjustment; it is a catalyst that
promises to elevate the standard of service provided to tourists. Satisfied
tourists are likely to become ambassadors for Tanzania, promoting the country's
attractions and potentially leading to a surge in visitor numbers.
Local
stakeholders are now calling for continued government intervention to ensure a
fair and competitive market for all.
They
argue that the success of African porters’ companies in other regions
demonstrates that Tanzanians can thrive independently. Strengthening local
associations and improving services are essential steps in countering external
influences that might undermine Tanzania’s tourism industry.
With
these advancements, the tourism sector is poised for growth, fueled by a
dedicated workforce and a commitment to excellence that will resonate far
beyond Tanzania’s borders.
