Need to advocate for ethical dealings with foreigners and tourists

 

Tourists from different countries arrive at the Seronera Airstrip in Mara region. FILE PHOTO | COURTESY

By 

Shimbo Pastory, C.S.Sp.

Summary

·         When it comes to tourists, though the pinch may not hurt so much, especially for purchases paid for in Tanzanian currency, to the tourists, the awareness that they have been cheated is tormenting and discouraging.

Tanzania as a country has earned itself an international reputation for being a peaceful and hospitable tourist destination.

This is something we as Tanzanians are hugely proud of and guard jealously. Millions of tourists flock to the country annually, not only to enjoy the sceneries, animals, and mountains but also the warmth and hospitality of the people.

However, equivalent to the number of tourists who come into the country are risky occasions of tarnishing the reputation of all Tanzanians.

This is because any tourist who happens to feel that he or she was not treated fairly can spread the word back home and many will be discouraged from visiting Tanzania.

A wise man once said, ‘A good name is like a guardian angel.’ This we experience firsthand when we travel abroad.

The good name we have had all these years follows us wherever we go.

Those who have travelled abroad will agree with me that our reputation transcends borders. 

All over the world, so many faces brighten up upon hearing that we come from Tanzania.

They are comfortable being around us because we have proved with time that we are good people.

As such we are trusted until we individually disprove ourselves.

In encountering foreigners and tourists, transactional relationships are established.

These can be temporal or long-lasting, depending on the needs and happenstances that triggered those encounters of foreigners or tourists with locals.

This means there is something that is being exchanged for a value of money or an equivalent thereof. The exchange of elements of cultures will be a topic for another day.

We should bear in mind that there are hundreds of thousands of places that tourists can choose to visit.

For them to make a choice to come to Tanzania is because they are happy with the people and the state of affairs in our country.

We have the attractions, amenities and security, and the people are welcoming.

However, any transactional exchange comes with the risk of being cheated, duped, conned, or whatever name we call it.

Fraud happens at all levels, regardless of the nature of the trading parties. Even powerful countries and prominent business firms lure other countries and firms into dodgy trade deals.

It is in effect known that people should be keen and smart so as to avoid finding themselves in difficult situations.

When it comes to tourists, though the pinch may not hurt so much, especially for purchases paid for in Tanzanian currency, to the tourists, the awareness that they have been cheated is tormenting and discouraging.

This is because it is not ethical, even if the amount of money procured in such a manner is so little.

No one enjoys being taken advantage of. 

While cheating is a common happening in many tourist destinations around the world, it is not a worthwhile tag on our name as Tanzanians.

If we keep quiet and let such things persist they will eventually become our identity all over the world.

Such negative labelling has already been done to some African countries because those wrongs were left to persist.  

With the use of technology and social media, information goes around in no time.

One can record videos or even make live broadcasts of their movements.

It is shameful finding oneself in such recordings trying to outwit tourists or foreigners.

The common prejudice is that all tourists are rich and have the money to squander.

It is not always like that. In the West, most people live on a budget, and they go abroad on vacation because it is the only time of the year they have entirely for themselves and their families.

Even if they are rich, it is not our custom to earn money unjustly. We should quit thinking of how to get rich instantly from them.

We ought to help them have the best experience when in our country by advising them on how they can be safe and happy throughout their stay.

We need to take the word around, especially to young people who join the tourism sector to always act, first, like patriotic citizens who will not put at stake the reputation or treasures of our noble country for personal gain, and secondly, like ethical professionals who do their jobs with conscientiousness and diligence.

Correspondingly, those who encounter foreigners and tourists should be keen to understand their motives so as to safeguard our national and cultural treasures.

Upon encountering suspicious tourists it is a heroic act to inform the security bodies and not collaborate with them in unlawful engagements in our country.

Sometimes foreigners and tourists can do things abroad that they cannot do in their home countries.

We should also not overlook situations where foreigners oppress Tanzanians, especially in our country.

Young people not to settle for less, and are afraid of speaking out. They need to be bold and able to speak out whenever their rights are at risk of being infringed.