The Government has warned tourism associations and private organisations against assuming regulatory powers reserved for State institutions, saying all players in the sector must operate within the law.
The warning has been issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, which said tourism companies and associations must comply with the Tourism Act, Cap. 65, particularly on registration, licensing, service standards and the operation of tourism activities.
The Ministry said organisations without statutory authority cannot legally take over responsibilities assigned to the Government or other designated regulatory bodies.
It also clarified that private organisations, associations or groups cannot declare a tourism company or agent “legal” or “illegal” on behalf of the Government.
The statement specifically cautioned the Kilimanjaro Responsible Trekking Organisation (KRTO), which also oversees the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP), over its involvement in mountain tourism activities.
The Government directed KRTO to immediately stop undertaking or publicising activities that fall outside its legal mandate.
According to the Ministry, KRTO should not present itself as having the authority to certify, approve or declare mountain tourism operators legally compliant, including determining whether an operator meets its own “responsible tour operator” standards.
The Ministry also raised concern over information published through international platforms, including KRTO’s website, which could give the impression that the organisation has the final authority to determine which tourism companies or agents are legally authorised to operate in Tanzania.
The Government said such practices could create confusion among tourists, operators and other stakeholders while undermining the roles of institutions legally mandated to regulate the sector.
It further warned KRTO against assuming statutory responsibility for protecting or managing the interests of mountain tourism porters, interfering with licensed tourism operators or threatening operators using powers not granted by law.
The Ministry said any organisation wishing to contribute to the tourism sector must do so within the framework of existing laws, regulations and Government procedures.
It warned that continued activities outside KRTO’s legal mandate, misleading statements about the legality of tourism operators or interference with Government responsibilities could result in appropriate action without further notice.
The Government's position comes as Tanzania seeks to strengthen accountability and quality standards in the tourism sector, one of the country's key sources of foreign exchange, employment and business opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), through Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA), will continue to oversee tourism activities within the park and ensure operators comply with laws, regulations, licence conditions and conservation requirements.
The Ministry assured tourism stakeholders and the public that regulation of the sector would continue to be guided by the principles of lawfulness, transparency, fairness and accountability, with the interests of Tanzania at the centre.
It also acknowledged the contribution of non-governmental organisations, tourism associations and private-sector players to the growth of the tourism industry.
However, the Government stressed that such partnerships must respect the legal responsibilities of State institutions and ensure that all stakeholders operate within clearly defined mandates.
The move is expected to help reduce confusion over regulatory responsibilities and reinforce compliance among tourism operators, while protecting the credibility of Tanzania’s tourism industry.
