Natural Resources and Tourism minister, Dr Hamis Kigwangalla
Arusha
— The Natural Resources and Tourism minister, Dr Hamis Kigwangalla,
said tour operators and tour guides will not lose their jobs following
introduction of cable car services in climbing Mount
Kilimanjaro.
Dr Kigwangalla said
the service was not intended to replace their jobs, noting that it was a
new product targeting people with special needs including those with
disabilities.
He was speaking
yesterday during a ceremony to award best tourist operators, saying the
service intended to enable those with special needs reach the mountain's
summit.
"No job will be cut
or destruction of ecology. The current procedures of climbing the
mountain on foot will not be disrupted by the service," he said, noting
that all stakeholders will be involved before commencement of the
service.
Speaking during the
event, chairman of Best Tourist Operators A Awards, Mr Christopher
Nzela, told the minister that comprehensive clarification was required
as the matter has caused panic among stakeholders.
"Stakeholders are
of the view that the service will replace their jobs, therefore on top
clarifications, they need to be involved," he said.
The Tanzania
Porters Organisation (TPO) secretary general, Mr Loshiye Mollel, said
the project threatened to cut 10,000 jobs for porters.
"Tanzania has over
20,000 porters depending on the job. An average seven days is spent for
tourists to climb the mountain on foot. However, the service will not
cut jobs, hence affecting them financially," he said.
He said
participation in the project was important, noting that revenues
generated from tourism will be affected if care is not taken during
implementation of the system.
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