Hotels Association of Tanzania AGM to be held in Arusha

A keen supporter of the tourism industry, Hon. Professor Jumanne Maghembe, Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism will officiate the Hotels Association of Tanzania's AGM. 

15 March 2016

The Government of Tanzania will join hands with the Tourism Confederation of Tanzania and the Hotels Association of Tanzania to enter into a dialogue to discuss issues hampering the tourism and hospitality sectors in Tanzania. 

The event, which will take place on Thursday, 17 and Friday, 18 March at the Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha will host working sessions between the public and private sector followed by the Hotels Association of Tanzania AGM officiated by Honourable Professor Jumanne Maghembe, Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism. 

Topics in the working sessions include an update on the Tourism Policy 1991, Tourism Act, 2008 and its Regulations, work permits for non-Tanzanian citizens and solutions to changes in the law regarding work permits and addressing the industry skills gap. The environment will also play a role in the event on the first day looking at the Environmental Impact Assessment of Tourism Facilities and Activities and the demolition of tourism facilities located less than 60 meters away from a water source. 

"We are thrilled that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, under new leadership, has instigated these sessions, which gives the private sector a chance to directly engage with government," said Lathifa Sykes, CEO, Hotels Association of Tanzania. Ms. Sykes also commented that this is critical for HAT members as all these issues impact directly on the sector. 

"Tourism is the number one foreign exchange earner for Tanzania - the potential of tourism can carry the economy of the country but the tourism and hospitality sector continue to be hampered by the wanton destruction of Tanzania's natural assets, the crippling skills gap and the restrictive labour laws which prevent international experts sharing critical knowledge to improve industry standards," said Richard Rugimbana, Executive Director, Tourism Confederation of Tanzania . "The multiplicity of taxes and levies, incoherent policies, institutions and regulations continues to impact negatively on the business environment, which in turn hinders investment and growth of the industry," he added. 

The events taking place are a chance to address the challenges in the industry and hear directly from Government about the best way forward in working as a public-private partnership.

The end

About the Tourism Confederation of Tanzania

The Tourism Confederation of Tanzania (TCT) is an umbrella organisation representing the tourism private business sector in the travel and tourism industry in Tanzania. The apex body was formed in June 2000 and launched on March 23, 2001 at the Courtyard Hotel in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam by Hon. Zakia Hamdani Meghji, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism. TCT established a full time Executive Office in March 2002.

 The organisation works to ensure that through representation at national level, appropriate macro policies and strategies are adopted for developing and maintaining an environment in which international and domestic tourism will prosper.  We also work to ensure the business sector will be able to achieve successful growth and development while protecting Tanzania’s natural and cultural heritage.

About the Hotels Association of Tanzania

The Hotels Association of Tanzania (HAT) was registered in 2008, originally known as the Hotel Keeper's Association founded in 2004. We are a non-profit organisation that currently represents 232 Accommodation Facilities (Hotels/Lodges/Camps) in Tanzania, and 119 members including accommodation facilities and affiliate members. HAT's mission is to realise a sustainable and competitive tourism sector in Tanzania. 

We advocate on behalf of our members to strengthen, promote and protect our industry, we provide value-added services that help members deliver on their financial, social, and environmental sustainability goals, and assist members in pursuing world-class service and hospitality standards.

Our services include providing legal, professional and technical advice, lobbying and advocating for legal and regulatory reforms that positively impact on the industry, as well as having a ripple effect on the economy and society as a whole. 

We want to see the Tanzanian hospitality industry become a globally competitive player, and HAT strives to create an enabling environment for investors, employers, employees, local communities, suppliers and government. 

For more information on the events in this release please contact:

Joanna Martin, Media Consultant

0786 894841

joanna@indigo-mtpc.com