Tanzania Travel Industry Embraces Innovation to Thrive in a Post-Pandemic World
In a bid to safeguard the future of Tanzania’s vital travel and tourism sector, the Tanzania Association of Travel Agents (TASOTA) has issued a clarion call for the adoption of innovative technologies. The call came during a recent travel convention and annual general meeting (AGM) in Dar es Salaam, which brought together key stakeholders from the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries.
The gathering served as a crucial platform for discussion, networking, and collaboration, aiming to shape the future of the Tanzanian travel industry. Agnes Rwegasira, the TASOTA chairperson, emphasized the importance of embracing technological advancements to protect the sector from disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are gathered here with various stakeholders from the airlines and the tourism sector in general. Our goal is to collaborate with the government and private agencies to promote domestic and international tourism in line with the country’s policies,” she stated.
The meeting delved into a range of critical topics, including how East African countries can work together to enhance tourism, address policy and infrastructure challenges, and foster the industry’s sustainable development. A key highlight of the discussion was the new distribution capability protocol adopted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Stakeholders believe this protocol is revolutionizing airline services by enabling personalized offers and improving financial systems.
Discussions centered on how to capitalize on Tanzania’s leisure tourism potential with luxury offerings, innovative experiences, and international partnerships, while remaining committed to sustainable tourism practices. The need to expand domestic air connectivity, address challenges in remote areas, and make air travel more accessible and sustainable across the country was also highlighted.
David Kihenzile, the Transport deputy minister, underscored the importance of aligning the growth of the travel and tourism sector with sustainability. He stressed that environmental considerations should be an integral part of business strategies, not an afterthought.
“As key stakeholders in the industry, you have the power to lead by example by adopting sustainable practices, such as initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and investing in eco-friendly infrastructure and responsible tourism,” he stated.
The TASOTA leadership, government representatives, industry experts from IATA, and regional travel executives provided valuable insights into the future of local air travel and the Southern Africa region. The event served as a testament to the commitment of Tanzanian stakeholders to ensuring the continued growth and prosperity of the country’s travel and tourism industry in the years to come.