THE Tanzania National Parks Authority (Tanapa) as part of its quest
to boost domestic tourism in the country has embarked on unveiling new
products in a sixmonth long campaign.
Speaking to journalists at a press conference at the climax of the
Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair, the TANAPA Director of Tourism
and Marketing, Mr Ibrahim Mussa, said that they want to break the notion
that tourism is all about sitting in vehicles for long drives to see
animals.
"The authority now has tents for 20,000/- where Tanzanians wanting to
get the feel of being at a campsite can put them up at public campsites
and can get to hear the sounds of the wild and skies lit with stars,"
he said.
Mr Mussa said that though still relatively a new concept to
Tanzanians, they have started luring tourists to campsites, walking
safaris and other activities.
He took the time to erase fears among the public that tourism was an
expensive venture saying there were fees for local tourists where
children pay 2,000/- and adults between 5,000/- and 10,000/- depending
on the location.
"Experience shows that domestic tourism is increasing annually and we
are now approaching 450,000 people with Serengeti which is the
preferred destination and Mikumi and Saadani not far away due to their
proximity to the city," he cited.
The Tanapa Marketing Manager, Mr Victor Katansi, said that the
six-month campaign was officially launched by the Minister for Natural
Resources and Tourism, Mr Lazaro Nyalandu and is already gathering moss
where during the DITF there have been daily trips to Saadani and Mikumi.
Mr Katansi said that all those who visit the 16 attractions need to
register at the gates of the parks where they stand to win numerous
prizes including a three-day trip to Serengeti that is fully paid by
Tanapa.
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