More than 2,000 delegates have registered to attend the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), putting Arusha in the international spotlight as Tanzania prepares to host one of the world's largest parliamentary gatherings.
Speaker of the National Assembly Mussa Azzan Zungu said yesterday that 149 countries had so far confirmed their participation in the five-day meeting, with more countries expected to submit their details before the assembly begins.
The meeting will be held from October 5 to 9 at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC), bringing together parliamentarians and other participants from across the globe.
Mr Zungu said 147 Tanzanian participants had already registered, while preparations at the conference venue continued ahead of the arrival of delegates.
Beyond the parliamentary discussions, the meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for businesses in Arusha and elsewhere in Tanzania to benefit from increased international traffic, particularly in tourism, hospitality, retail and other services.
Mr Zungu urged residents and businesses to use the gathering to showcase Tanzanian products and services to international visitors.
“I know the people of Arusha are hospitable and experienced in receiving visitors. We want the guests to see the hospitality of Tanzanians,” he said.
He also called on businesses to take advantage of the opportunities created by the event, including promoting tourism and local products.
“Let us also use this opportunity to promote and showcase our businesses and embrace various opportunities, including tourism, to ensure the economy grows in Arusha,” he said.
The Speaker thanked President Samia Suluhu Hassan for approving Tanzania's hosting of the IPU assembly, while also commending journalists for reporting on preparations for the meeting.
He urged the media to continue promoting Tanzania's tourism attractions and positive aspects of the country as part of efforts to expand the sector's contribution to the economy.
Mr Zungu said tourism currently contributes 26 percent of government revenue, with the government targeting an increase to more than 45 percent.
He said achieving that target would require continued efforts to promote Tanzania internationally and ensure visitors receive a positive experience during their stay.
The Permanent Representative of Tanzania to the United Nations and other international organisations in Geneva, Switzerland, Ambassador Abdallah Possi, said Tanzania was among a relatively small number of African countries to have hosted an IPU assembly.
He said the event would also provide an opportunity to demonstrate Tanzania's capacity to host major international meetings.
“The success of this meeting is a test of our readiness to organise other meetings. If we have managed to organise this one with 2,000 participants, and more people are coming, it demonstrates our capacity,” he said.
Ambassador Possi urged Tanzanians, particularly Arusha residents, to ensure delegates leave the country with a positive impression.
For Arusha, the assembly comes as the city hosts thousands of international visitors over five days, creating an opportunity for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, tour companies, retailers and other businesses to tap into increased demand during the event.
The 153rd IPU Assembly will take place at AICC from October 5 to 9.