Tanzania: Karibu Travel Show Braces to Host 8000 Visitors

160 exhibitors drawn from around the world

The northern safari capital, Arusha is bracing to host the annual Karibu Travel Market Tanzania (TMT) slated for the end of this month.

The East African premier travel and tourism exhibition to be held at Magereza grounds near Arusha airport on May 29 - 31 this year, will attract nearly 160 exhibitors from around the globe.

Tanzania Associations of Tour Operators (Tato) owns the second largest tourism show in African after the South Africa's Indaba.

Part of the 15-year-old outdoor event's uniqueness and excitement is that it offers a real safari experience.

Organisers say the event, which is registered with the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), will also draw nearly 8,000 visitors from within and outside the country.

"Karibu TMT 2015 focuses on promoting the new tourists allures and destinations to the outside world," says Zuher Fazal, the show's chairman.

The event, which is well covered by local, regional, and international media, attracts hundreds of exhibitors, delegates, and thousands of visitors, showcasing a diverse of local and regional tourism products.

It gives participants the opportunity to exchange ideas, build alliances, and network locally, regionally, and internationally.

Exhibitors will include regional in-bound tour operators, tourist boards, camping and safari companies, wildlife lodges and hotels, specialised safaris, outdoor pursuits, local and regional airlines, as well as equipment manufacturers & services supporting the travel and tourism trade.

"Delegates enjoy the benefit of exclusive access on the Trade Only Day which will also include a private, corporate cocktail party on Friday May 29, 2015," says Mr Fazalkerley, adding that visitors were welcomed for the remaining two days , open to the general public.

The objective of the fair is to raise the regional profile by promoting EA tourism to the global market and to bring together all key industry players in East Africa.

It also aims at creating opportunities for international visitors and overseas tour agents to meet and network with members of the tourism industry in the region; bring new destinations, facilities, and products to the attention of overseas tour agents; and facilitate opportunities for overseas tour agents to visit national parks and properties.

"Since America and Europe continue to be East Africa's number-one source markets for tourists, we are making a special effort to attract more travel agents from both markets," Karibu TMT manager Nakaaya Sumari noted.