By ADAM IHUCHA
Tourism
investors in Tanzania can now seek official certification for their commitment
to environmental, social responsibility and their overall sustainability.
A local NGO
known as Responsible Tourism Tanzania (RTTZ), has begun to conduct systemic
audits of participating tourism hotels and camps in terms of how their operations
measure up to local and international standards and best practices.
Late in 2013, RTTZ conducted a series of training exercises in Arusha, Dar-es-Salamm, and Zanzibar for professionals in the tourism industry interested in learning more about the certification process and in making their practices and policies more sustainable and responsible.
Late in 2013, RTTZ conducted a series of training exercises in Arusha, Dar-es-Salamm, and Zanzibar for professionals in the tourism industry interested in learning more about the certification process and in making their practices and policies more sustainable and responsible.
The training tour kicked off at the New
Arusha Hotel with managers from top tourism organizations taking part in
various enlightening exercises and training sessions.
“In Tanzania, we absolutely must practice tourism sustainably,” said Msafiri Eliud, a participant at the training seminar and manager of the Serengeti Sopa Lodge. “In the long run, being certified will help us practice responsibly, conserve resources, and actually increase business.”
Mr Eliud, who has risen up to the top ranks in his 18 years of service for Sopa Lodges, added that he has observed firsthand the negative changes in the environment in Tanzania’s national parks and wilderness areas and that it is high time that the local industry recognize such standards and implement them.
“Certification can set clear industry standards for tourism operations,” said RTTZ auditor, Johannes Solar. “It is good for companies, communities, the government, and guests.”
Using four levels of certification, RTTZ has conducted more than 30 test audits of hotels and camps in Arusha, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, West Kilimanjaro, Lushoto and Tanga, and Zanzibar.
“In Tanzania, we absolutely must practice tourism sustainably,” said Msafiri Eliud, a participant at the training seminar and manager of the Serengeti Sopa Lodge. “In the long run, being certified will help us practice responsibly, conserve resources, and actually increase business.”
Mr Eliud, who has risen up to the top ranks in his 18 years of service for Sopa Lodges, added that he has observed firsthand the negative changes in the environment in Tanzania’s national parks and wilderness areas and that it is high time that the local industry recognize such standards and implement them.
“Certification can set clear industry standards for tourism operations,” said RTTZ auditor, Johannes Solar. “It is good for companies, communities, the government, and guests.”
Using four levels of certification, RTTZ has conducted more than 30 test audits of hotels and camps in Arusha, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, West Kilimanjaro, Lushoto and Tanga, and Zanzibar.
Official
audits for entry-level certification are also now underway. While certification
is only currently available for hotels and camps, RTTZ officials said they soon
hope to be equipped to audit tour operators and other organizations and to
receive official recognition from international certification bodies, such as
the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.
RTTZ board members include individuals from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, the Hotel Association of Tanzania, the Tanzania Tourist Board, the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators, the Tanzania Confederation of Tourism, and other noteworthy organizations.
RTTZ board members include individuals from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, the Hotel Association of Tanzania, the Tanzania Tourist Board, the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators, the Tanzania Confederation of Tourism, and other noteworthy organizations.
0 comments:
Post a Comment