In a pioneering initiative to strengthen Tanzania’s tourism industry, Zara Tanzania Adventures has launched a specialized customer care and tourism awareness training programme for 31 Tourism and Diplomatic Police officers from Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar.
The training, held at the Tanzania Police Academy- Moshi, equips officers with practical skills in customer care, tourism economics, communication, international diplomacy, and professional engagement with visitors from around the world.
Fully sponsored by Zara Tanzania Adventures, the programme forms part of the company’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives, underscoring its long-standing commitment to sustainable tourism and a stronger tourism value chain.
Opening the programme, Zara Tanzania Adventures Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Zainab Ansell, said Tourism Police are often the first government representatives visitors encounter, making them important ambassadors for Tanzania.
“Tourism Police are not only responsible for maintaining law and order—they represent the face of our country. Every positive interaction with a visitor builds confidence, strengthens Tanzania’s reputation, and encourages tourists to return and recommend our destination to others,” Ms. Ansell said.
She noted that customer care has become an essential element of policing in tourism destinations, adding that strengthening officers’ communication and hospitality skills complements the Government’s efforts to improve service standards across the sector.
Ms. Ansell said the programme reflects Zara Tanzania Adventures’ philosophy of giving back to the industry that has supported the company’s growth for nearly four decades.
“We believe in giving back to the industry that has given us so much. Tourism has transformed our business, and we have a responsibility to invest in the people and institutions that help Tanzania remain one of the world’s most welcoming and respected destinations,” she said.
The training covers professional customer service, the economic importance of tourism, cross-cultural communication, and the application of international hospitality standards while carrying out security responsibilities.
The programme continues at Springlands Hotel in Moshi, where participants will learn about Zara Tanzania Adventures’ nearly 40-year journey in tourism excellence, sustainability, wildlife conservation, and community development. Sessions also explore the role of responsible tourism, environmental stewardship, and strong public-private partnerships in advancing Tanzania’s social and economic development.
Representing Zara Tanzania Adventures, Head of IT and Marketing, Mr. Hoseana Nyingi, introduced the company and highlighted the critical role of safety in tourism marketing.
He said tourism businesses market not only wildlife, landscapes, and unique experiences, but also the confidence that visitors can travel safely throughout Tanzania.
He emphasized that the way tourists are treated by guides, hotel staff, drivers, local communities, and law enforcement officers directly influences the country’s international reputation.
In the digital age, he noted, a single visitor experience can quickly spread through TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, and social media, shaping the travel decisions of thousands of potential visitors.
The initiative highlights the growing link between tourism security and destination marketing. While Tanzania’s world-renowned attractions including the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Zanzibar continue to draw visitors, today’s travellers also place high value on feeling safe, respected, and well supported throughout their journey.
Tourism stakeholders have welcomed the initiative as a forward-looking investment that strengthens collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the private sector while enhancing Tanzania’s reputation as a safe, welcoming, and world-class destination.
As international visitor numbers continue to grow, programmes such as this are expected to improve interactions between tourists and frontline security personnel, reinforcing Tanzania’s position as one of Africa’s leading tourism destinations.
The programme was officially opened by Commissioner of Police Awadhi Haji Awadhi, Commissioner for Operations and Training.
It was attended by senior Police Force officials, including Senior Assistant Commissioner Pudensia Kyaruzi, responsible for Minerals, Tourism and Environment, and SACP Ramadhan Mungi, Commandant of the Tanzania Police Academy–Moshi, together with officers from various regions of Tanzania.
The training also brought together experts from leading tourism and academic institutions, including Prof. Alex Kisingo, Deputy Rector for Academic, Research and Consultancy at the College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka; Dr. Ebenezer Goroi; Dr. Richard Kisasembe; Dr. Noeli Nthangu of the University of Dar es Salaam; and Dr. Alfred Kimea, former Member of Parliament for Korogwe Town. The programme was coordinated by Andrew Makang’a.
