By ADAM IHUCHA ---The
countdown to the annual second premier travel and tourism exhibition in
Africa, with a special focus on promoting the new tourists allures and destinations
to the outside world, has begun.
The Tanzania Associations of Tour
Operators (TATO) owned, Karibu Travel Market Tanzania 2014 (Karibu TMT),
the second largest tourism show on the African continent after Indaba in South
Africa, is registered with the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
The theme of the fair for this
year is ‘Sustainable Conservation’ which is reflection of TATO’s ‘foreign
policy’ existing for the last three decades.
TATO has also been
focusing on wildlife conservation and security as the area of grave concern
apart from its other mainstream roles.
Lately, TATO has been in the
forefront of lots of conservation initiatives, specifically the provision of
education and leading relevant discussion forums on sustainable conservation
and wildlife security of which the Karibu TMT has also acted as one of the
forums.
This year’s fair will
run from June 6th – 8th, 2014 in Tanzania’s northern
safari capital of Arusha and is expected to attract more than 800 visitors from
EAC partner states, South Africa, China, the US, and Europe.
Organizers are buoyant that this
year’s exhibitors will also eclipse last year’s record of 250, in spite of an
international tourism market subdued by the Eurozone debt crisis and terrorists
attacks.
“Nearly 300 exhibitors are
anticipated to take part in this year’s exhibition, along with media and
thousands of regional and international visitors,” said TATO’s Executive
Secretary Mr. Sirili Akko.
The Karibu TMT will draw
participants from several Asian, European, and US countries. From the African
continent, exhibitors will come from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Malawi, South
Africa, Seychelles, Zambia, Zimbabwe, DRC Congo, and the host, Tanzania.
The event is an ideal platform
showcasing diverse local and regional tourism products. Participants exchange
ideas, build alliances, and network both locally, regionally, and
internationally.
It attracts hundreds of exhibitors, delegates, and thousands
of visitors, and the event is well covered by local, regional, and
international media.
Organizers say that this year’s
Karibu TMT with new layouts and new tents will be held in a new venue.
“Karibu TMT 2014 has a superb,
secure, new, and more convenient venue at the Heron Recreation Centre near
Arusha airport in beautiful settings with ideally designed, new exhibition
tents” said Karibu TMT Chairperson, Mrs Vesna Glamocanin Tibaijuka.
Exhibitors will include regional
in-bound tour operators, tourist boards, camping and safari companies, wildlife
lodges and hotels, specialized safaris, outdoor pursuits, local and regional
airlines, as well as equipment manufacturers & services supporting the
travel and tourism trade.
The event is a major business
platform and contracting opportunity for both, long established as well as new
and inspiring businesses in Tanzania and across East Africa.
Karibu TMT truly reflects the
region’s continual growth in the travel industry on the global and domestic
scene.
Delegates enjoy the benefit of
exclusive access on the “Trade Only Day,” which also includes a private,
corporate cocktail party on the commencing date - Friday, June 6, 2014.
Visitors are welcome for the
remaining two days (June 7-8), which are open to the general public.
Karibu TMT is famous for its
social atmosphere, attracting both the tourism community as well as the general
public, whose spending power and word of mouth undoubtedly play an important
part in the continual growth of tourism.
The major objective of
14-year-old Karibu TMT is to raise the regional profile by promoting EA tourism
to the global market and to bring all key industry players in EA together in
one place, at one time.
The fair also aims to
create opportunities for international visitors and overseas tour agents to
meet and network with members of the EA tourism industry; bring new
destinations, facilities, and products to the attention of overseas tour
agents; and facilitate opportunities for overseas tour agents to visit the
national parks and properties.
Part of the uniqueness and
excitement of the Karibu TMT is that it is an outdoor event that offers a real
safari experience.
“Since America and Europe
continue to be EA’s number-one source markets for tourists, we are making a
special effort to attract more travel agents from both markets,” Mrs Tibaijuka
noted.
Nice way to execute a post. I think you have done a fabulous work. Keep posting.
ReplyDeleteKurumba Maldives