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| TTB Managing Director, Ephraim Balozi Mafuru, along with officers at the press conference held in the Board's offices in Dar es salaam (PHOTO: Courtesy) |
By Charles Mkoka
The Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB), under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, is set to host the 8th annual Swahili International Tourism Expo (S!TE 2024) from October 11 to 13, 2024, at the Mlimani City Conference Hall in Dar es Salaam.
This year's S!TE exhibition, themed Explore Tanzania for a Lifetime Investment and Seamless Tourism Experience, aims to showcase Tanzania’s abundant tourism offerings while fostering long-term investments in the sector. The event is a key component of TTB’s broader strategy to promote Tanzania internationally as a prime tourist destination.
TTB Managing Director, Ephraim Balozi Mafuru, highlighted that their role, alongside key stakeholders, includes promoting tourism and bolstering investment within the sector. "Back in 2014, TTB initiated the S!TE exhibition to bring together service providers across the tourism value chain, both locally and internationally," said Mafuru. He further emphasized that the exhibition is a unique opportunity for tourism stakeholders to display their products and create essential business networks.
The 2024 edition of S!TE will focus on promoting Tanzania’s tourism globally, particularly through digital platforms. Over 120 exhibitors and internationally hosted buyers from strategic markets across Asia, Europe, and America are expected to participate in this year’s event, offering a rich opportunity for business networking and collaboration in the tourism sector.
Beyond exhibitions, S!TE 2024 will feature various components, including investment forums, tourism and marketing seminars, and business meetings for tourism operators. Additionally, a live wildlife exhibition will be featured, providing attendees with an authentic Tanzanian wildlife experience. Mafuru noted, “Tourism is about service and experience. These international buyers will have the chance to visit Tanzania’s top attractions, including the western and southern circuits, enhancing the country’s global visibility.”
The exhibition also continues to align with Tanzania's broader national tourism strategy, including the 1999 Tourism Policy and the 2020-2025 International Strategy, both of which aim to position Tanzania as a world-class tourist destination. S!TE is further reinforced by the Five-Year Development Plan III (FYDP III 2021/22-2025/26), which identifies MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism as a strategic sub-sector. MICE tourism is poised to help Tanzania reach its ambitious target of five million tourists and $6 billion in revenue by 2025.
S!TE is also part of the larger Tanzania – The Royal Tour initiative, spearheaded by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, to spotlight the country’s tourist attractions and investment opportunities. Mafuru expressed his gratitude for the collaboration between Tanzania’s embassies worldwide, especially following a recent meeting in China, where efforts were strengthened to promote S!TE globally.
Mafuru also extended an invitation to all Tanzanians to attend the expo, emphasizing that this year’s event will offer valuable insights and strategies for enhancing and promoting the tourism sector. "This exhibition is for everyone – sector stakeholders and entrepreneurs alike. We welcome all to participate in some capacity," he added.
In particular, the TTB is calling on tourism industry stakeholders, including travel agencies, accommodation providers, tour operators, and airline companies, both locally and internationally, to seize the economic and social opportunities presented by S!TE 2024. The event offers an ideal platform for companies to advertise, expand their business networks, and sponsor the exhibition, contributing to the entire tourism value chain.
S!TE 2024 promises to be a milestone event in Tanzania’s tourism calendar, furthering the country’s goal of becoming a premier global tourism destination while fostering investment opportunities across the sector.