Arusha hosts over top 100 global travel agents

 Daily News Reporter

ARUSHA: A TANZANIAN key tour operator is rolling out the welcome mat for the International Tourism Summit Africa 2024, as part of tribute of...

three-year anniversary of Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan’s presidency.

Co-organiser of the International Tourism Summit 2024 that draws 100 influential global travel agents to be held in Arusha between May 20 and 23, 2024, is the African Queen Adventures, a Tanzanian company renowned for its commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism practices.

African Queen Adventures Managing Director, Ms Alice Manupa said the summit that is the first of its kind to be held in African continent, is part of her efforts to compliment President Samia’s initiatives to revamp the multi-billion-dollar tourism industry in the post-Covid-19 pandemic.

“This grand plan aimed at rebooting the multi-billion-dollar tourism industry in the post-Covid-19 pandemic had been months in the making and the time has finally come to showcase the unparalleled beauty and adventure that Tanzania had to offer,” Ms Manupa explained.

Hobbled by the brutal wave of the coronavirus, the tourism industry in Tanzania had taken a significant hit. However, with its capacity to create 1.3 million jobs and generate 3.4 billion US dollars annually, the importance of reviving the industry cannot be overstated.

The summit that brings 100 major global travel agents represents a powerful platform to further elevate Tanzania’s tourism landscape onto the global stage, as it will serve as a beacon for global collaboration and synergy in the tourism industry.

Ms Manupa said that the presence of international travel agents in Tanzania serves as a beacon of hope, signalling the resurgence and revitalisation of a cherished industry that had faced unprecedented challenges.

“Since the travel agents will venture into the depths of Tanzania’s untamed wilderness, engage with local communities, and marvel at its breathtaking landscapes, they would carry with them the essence of this extraordinary land,” she noted.

The young-female tour operator and award winning said that their experiences and insights would serve as catalysts for reigniting the passion for travel and fostering a renewed sense of connection between the world and the unparalleled marvels of Tanzania.

“I’m so grateful to my esteemed business partner who doubles as the Founder and CEO of TravelShop Turkey & Vice President of the International Ecotourism Society Murtaza Kalender, for accepting to bring the Summit in Africa, and Tanzania in particular” Ms Manupa explained.

“We would like to thank nearly 400 tourism companies from about 100 countries who participated in our zoom meeting at the end of February to promote the International Africa Tourism Summit, which we will organise for the first time between 20 – 24 May 2024,” she said.

Echoing Ms Manupa’s statement, the President of the International Ecotourism Society, Mr Murtaza Kalender, said the Summit, intends to introduce this magnificent, undiscovered destination in Africa to tourism professionals worldwide.

“We want to contribute to the promotion of this destination by showcasing the areas where numerous wildlife species inhabit national parks” Mr Kalender said. Through this effort, he explained, they aim to bolster business volume and secure the deserved position in the global tourism market. “We aim to enhance our business volume by organising the inaugural International Tourism Summit in unforgettable Tanzania” he said, adding: “This event will bring together the world’s most experienced travel and tourism agents from all corners of the globe, and provide B2B meetings with local tourism professionals”.

Furthermore, the ITSA will orchestrate an extraordinary familiarisation (fam) trip to the region renowned for hosting the world’s most exquisite natural national parks and diverse wildlife.

This initiative aims to provide tourism professionals with an unforgettable educational journey. Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (CEO), Mr Sirili Akko said as the world converges on Arusha, delegates and participants would be treated to the breathtaking natural wonders and cultural richness that define the region.

Against the backdrop of majestic safaris and the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro, the summit promises to be an unforgettable experience, blending business and pleasure in a harmonious symphony of exploration and collaboration.

Mr. Akko said that the convergence of the international tourism community in Arusha represents a transformative opportunity to promote sustainable practices, foster cross-cultural exchange, and harness the potential of tourism as a catalyst for economic empowerment and societal advancement.

“With the visionary leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the unparalleled natural beauty of Arusha as the setting, the inaugural International Tourism Summit of 2024 is poised to carve its place in history, symbolising a pivotal moment of unity, progress, and celebration for the global tourism industry,” Mr Akko noted.