Tanzania is seeking to attract eight million tourists by expanding its international market reach, with Natural Resources and Tourism Minister Ashatu Kijaji urging local tourism companies to turn global exhibitions into opportunities for new business partnerships and increased visitor arrivals.
Dr Kijaji made the call during a visit to Tanzania's pavilion at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, where more than 30 Tanzanian companies are showcasing their tourism products and services.
She said international platforms such as WTM were important in positioning Tanzania as a competitive tourism destination, connecting local businesses with international markets and attracting more visitors.
The minister urged participating companies to make effective use of the exhibition by promoting the country's tourism attractions, developing business relationships and identifying new opportunities in the global travel industry.
She said the government was committed to using available international platforms to strengthen Tanzania's tourism profile and support efforts to achieve the target of attracting eight million tourists.
Beyond showcasing attractions, Dr Kijaji emphasised the need for tourism stakeholders to build lasting commercial relationships that could translate into increased business and tourist arrivals.
The participation of more than 30 local companies provides an opportunity for Tanzanian tourism operators to engage international industry players, explore new markets and increase the visibility of the country's tourism products.
Tanzania's tourism industry is an important source of foreign exchange and employment, making international marketing and the expansion of visitor markets critical to sustaining growth in the sector.
Dr Kijaji was accompanied by Joshua Nassari, a representative of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Lands, Natural Resources and Tourism; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism Hassan Abbasi; Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) Director-General Thereza Mugobi; and Patrick Mwakalobo, representative of Tanzania's Ambassador to the United Kingdom.