Former US President Clinton ushers in Tanzania tourism

TANZANIA (eTN) - Tanzania’s high tourism season has received a major boost, thanks to former US President Bill Clinton for ushering in the season with a vote of confidence.

Despite the widespread fears of security and Ebola in Africa, Mr. Clinton had the confidence to visit Tanzania and other African countries, dispelling those fears.

Key players say that his trip has sent out an encouraging message to all international travelers to visit and experience the amazing attractions and the great hospitality that is synonymous with Tanzania.

The Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) CEO, Mr. Sirili Akko, says that Mr. Clinton’s visit is a positive gesture to the country’s high tourism season that starts next month (June).

Overwhelmed with professional customer care every step of the way at the “World’s best hotel service award winner” for 2014, Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge, Mr. Clinton, one of the most cherished former heads of the world’s super power nations, at the end of his stay, remarked, "What a great experience."

Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge’s General Manager, Dedan Ogelo, says that apart from enjoying excellent comfort and professional service delivery, the former President was delighted to be ushered into the lodge by a proud contingent of Maasai warriors and dancers.

Located at the highest point on the crater’s eastern rim, Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge stands well over half a kilometer above the crater floor and offers unparalleled views across this enormous caldera.

Some of the most magnificent sunsets can be enjoyed from the terraces of the lodge.

Themed around traditionally circular African houses with conical roofs, and decorated with examples of Africa’s rich tapestry of artistic traditions by way of rich woodcarvings and sculptures, the lodge harmonizes perfectly with its spectacular surroundings.

The drama, however, does not just stop with the great outdoors; it also flows through the split-level interiors of the main building which all offer an unsurpassed generosity of space while somehow managing to combine an almost magically-welcoming ambience of both warmth and coziness supplemented by fine wines and a variety of food options.

Mr. Clinton’s requirement for “vegan meals” was aptly catered to.

With these experiences and the stunning game drive in the incomparable Ngorongoro crater, where humans and wildlife live together in harmony, Mr. Clinton could not resist calling President Jakaya Kikwete on his way back and telling him how he was impressed by all that he saw.

Shortly after descending onto the crater floor, Mr. Clinton was greeted by the astounding sights of a pride of 19 lions, a pack of buffaloes, and then wildebeests, some of whom were stuck in the mud.

Also the sighting of the rare black rhinos that can now only be seen roaming freely within the crater was experienced by the former US President.

“Ngorongoro crater is an outstanding type of conservation area never seen elsewhere in the world, and it must be fully maintained and protected to retain UNESCO’s status as a World Heritage site of global importance,” said Mr. Clinton.

Ngorongoro, as a destination, attracts over 600,000 visitors annually, and this number accounts for over 50 percent of all tourists who visit the country each year.

The Tanzania Tourist Board figures indicate that annual tourist traffic stands at 1.2 million.

The former US Head of State visited the crater on his way back from the Nainokanoka Ward within the NCA where the Clinton Foundation is supporting a health initiative.

“Indeed, we are very honored that our hotel was picked to host this high-profile delegation of the former US President, Bill Clinton,” says Sopa Lodges Group Operations Manager, Hashim Mohamed.

Mr. Mohamed adds that the Clinton’s visit could be looked upon as a vote of confidence on Tanzania’s security aspect as well as its tourism industry.

“Mr. Clinton’s trip in Tanzania will definitely send a clear message to the outside world that Tanzania is a safe destination,” he says.