TANAPA advances access for disabled tourists

 Heckton Chuwa

KILIMANJARO: THE Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) has embarked on an initiative aimed at promoting domestic tourism among people with disabilities as part of the...

institution’s broader efforts to boost the country’s tourism sector and make national parks more inclusive.

This was stated by the Senior Conservation Commissioner (Tourism) at Kilimanjaro National Park, Vitus Mgaya, during a flag-off ceremony for Deogratias Chami, a paraplegic climber who ascended Mount Kilimanjaro to campaign for the full inclusion of people living with disabilities in the tourism sector value chain.

“Building on these achievements, we are promoting domestic tourism for people with disabilities, as they too have the opportunity to travel like others,” said Vitus Mgaya, who represented Mussa Kuji of TANAPA at the event.

To give them a good opportunity to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, TANAPA introduced a trek itinerary for wheelchairs, a procedure which is different from those which are meant for normal trekkers.

He added that TANAPA, through Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA) has been hosting people with disabilities from abroad who climb Mount Kilimanjaro, noting it is encouraging that Tanzanians with disabilities are now also attempting the climb with support from local trekking companies.

The Founder and Director of Kilimanjaro Disability Royal Tour and Safaris Company, Mr Deogratius Chami said his climb aims to show that people with disabilities can contribute to tourism.

He noted the initiative, under the Kili4Inclusion programme, seeks to introduce PLWDs to the sector and unlock their potential to enhance it.

Mr Chami said his climb aimed to show that people with disabilities can contribute to the tourism sector.

He thanked Bishop Dr Frederick Shoo for his full support through a special committee he led, which helped ensure the success of the Mount Kilimanjaro climb.

For her part, the African Scenic Safaris General Manager Mary Njuguna said the company took the responsibility of making sure that Chami’s trekking safari became successful.