TOURISM industry has been going through a difficult time in the wake of Covid-19 lockdown rules and restrictions.
However, Tanzania's
recent decision to open up her skies and tourist destinations has
offered some
light at the end of the tunnel.
The tourism season
kicked off with the first passenger flight, packed with tourists
arriving in the country on Monday, this week.
Amid recent despair
that has gripped the tourism sector, there are renewed hopes that the
industry is set to regain its vibrancy as things get back to normalcy.
However, we should
still expect comparatively low periods of international arrivals in the
coming few months as many governments are yet to follow Tanzania lead
and ease travel restrictions.
That said,
increased domestic tourism activities can play a crucial role in our
government's commendable measures to cushion this key economic sector.
There is, thus, a
dire need to consolidate domestic tourism in order to spur revenue at
this period when lockdowns and travel restrictions in many countries
keep affecting international tourism.
Unarguably, foreign
markets remain key in boosting the tourism sector, but the Coronavirus
has taught us that Tanzanians need to come together and promote domestic
tourism.
Over the past few
years, the government, through relevant tourism authorities, has made
efforts to improve domestic tourism through a number of measures,
including favorable packages that are affordable for the locals.
But many locals are
still unaware of the importance of domestic tourism and due to among
other reasons lack or limited information on tourism activities in the
country.
By widening mass
education on the importance of wildlife resources and tourism, huge
benefits could well be realized within the tourism industry.
The Ministry of
Tourism and Natural Resources and other responsible organs must continue
to enlighten and educate locals on the importance of tourism, in order
to ensure we have an improved market for domestic tourism in the
country.
Enhanced mass
education couples with provision of discounted and affordable rates for
resident tourists by tourist establishments could considerably encourage
locals to travel to tourist sites and prop up the sector, which is one
of the key drivers of the country's economy.
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