The government has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Tanzania Association of Porters (TAP), recognizing its role as a key stakeholder in advancing the country’s tourism industry.
Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Hamad Hassan Chande, said the government will continue engaging the association to ensure porters are effectively integrated into tourism development efforts for the benefit of both communities and the national economy.
Mr Chande made the remarks in Parliament on June 8, 2026, during the 13th Parliament, Third Session, while responding to a question from Moshi Urban MP Ibrahim Mohamed Shayo, who sought clarity on government plans to formally recognize and strengthen collaboration with the association.
He said the ministry already acknowledges TAP and has been working with it through various platforms, including stakeholder meetings and capacity-building programmes aimed at improving the welfare and professionalism of porters.
According to him, representatives of the association have participated in tourism stakeholder engagements held in Dodoma, while training sessions for porters have also been conducted in partnership with the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO).
He noted that the trainings were held in Arusha on May 11 this year and later in Moshi Municipality, Kilimanjaro Region, on May 13, focusing on improving service delivery, safety, and overall visitor experience.
Mr Chande emphasized that porters remain an essential part of Tanzania’s tourism value chain, particularly in mountain tourism, where they play a critical role in supporting climbers and ensuring smooth tourism operations.
In another development, the deputy minister commended MP Shayo for accepting to serve as patron of the Tanzania Association of Porters, saying the decision will help strengthen the organization and promote the welfare of its members.
He assured Parliament that the government will continue to support initiatives aimed at developing the tourism sector, which remains a major contributor to employment creation, foreign exchange earnings, and national economic growth.
