Tanzania: Kilifair Set to Inspire Tourism, Investment

Moshi — The character of world expositions can be distinguished in three eras - industrialisation, cultural exchange and the nation branding.

World's fairs originated in the French tradition of national exhibitions that culminated with the French Industrial Exposition of 1844 held in Paris.

The fair was followed by other national exhibitions in continental Europe.

They influenced development of several aspects of society, including art-and-design education, international trade and relations as well as tourism.

Tanzania has not been exception to this tradition as it has been holding several, especially in the commercial capital - Dar es Salaam. Industry and tourism stakeholders and the Kilimanjaro Regional Secretariat felt that is not enough, hence the region, being a great hub for East Africa travellers should have its own.

Realisation of the same did not come as quick as a thunderbolt, but it took extensive discussions among the interested parties to bring it to fruition. Mr Tom Kunkler and Dominic Shoo are The Kilimanjaro International Tourism and Industry Fair (KILIFAIR) directors.

They achieved bringing together thousands of people to Moshi Club Grounds. They were exhibitors and visitors from within and outside the country for three days - June 5th to 7th this year.

They say hundreds of people from different countries, cultures, religions and social backgrounds helped and volunteered thousands of hours towards that end. Mr Kunkler says it was great to welcome and finally meet travel-partners from around the world at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, the roof of Africa.

It will be an annual event. "For many years we have been brainstorming the idea of having our own tourism trade fair for the Kilimanjaro Region, one of the most powerful areas in Tanzania.

"Given confidence and support from many friends and tour companies the vision of KILIFAIR has become a reality in 2015," says Mr Kunkler. The Kilimanjaro International Tourism and Industry Fair has set a base for wide tourism, investment opportunities as well as marketing networks.

The three-day event attracted more than 140 exhibitors from inside and outside the country and now the directors think KILIFAIR has become a significant institution.

The co-directors are upbeat that the great hub is a place for sustainable investments. Mr Shoo says it is fair for Moshi - one of the fastest growing towns in East Africa to have its own trade fair. KILIFAIR 2015 brought together exhibitors from hotel, lodges and camps; tour companies and travel partners; media companies and printing as well as airlines with Ethiopian Airlines being the official one.

In the fair there were also those dealing in arts, crafts and jewelry; banks; drinks, food and restaurants; government institutions; health and insurance; security and suppliers of tourism industry.

A visitor could get a day pass for 6,000/- or a three-day pass for 12,000/- while children under the size of 140 cm would part with 3,000/- each and those under the age of two years entered for free.

Mr Shoo says that is logical due to the fact that tourism and local industries are doing better while companies in the town are motivated to set new standards for the upcoming years. Moshi Municipal Council Mayor, Mr Japhary Michael says he values so much KILIFAIR 2015 guests.

His hope and vision is to see the town develop and evolve to a city, as there are abundant benefits for the envisioned development for a city. Mr Michael notes that the unique Mount Kilimanjaro should be marketed as the art of tourism in Tanzania.

The mayor hopes those who climb Mount Kilimanjaro will remain in the region or country instead of proceeding to other countries just after they hike down the roof of Africa.

"We would like to encourage more attractions around Moshi and Kilimanjaro Region to welcome the tourists to spend more time in our areas and we should not fail to capture this opportunity," he stresses.

Mr Michael requests Kilimanjaro people to work together to develop and promote Tanzania. He says it is yet to be known in the international tourism market as links of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that work harmoniously together and put away politics in every aspect.

As an exhibitor one had an opportunity to promote their company by networking with important people of the Tourism Industry as well as from the local industries. They also met the prominent business people in the tourism industry and local industry for networking and business contracts.

As a visitor one met companies from Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda and see what was happening in the Kilimanjaro Region. It was also a time to see the attractive town of Moshi, enjoy the program with a lot of activities for families and kids.

There were opportunities for new business ideas by meeting business people from different countries and also do shopping. Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner (RC), Mr Leonidas Gama, says the fair was an eye opener for guests and some exhibitors on available opportunities in tourism and business sectors and in a special way promote Mount Kilimanjaro.

"The overall goal for this annual fair is to improve business growth and tourism opportunities that create employment in micro, small and medium enterprises in Kilimanjaro region," he says.

By an interaction of local and foreign tourism and business stakeholders, there is assurance of an increase in business contracts that would lead to increased sales, profits, awareness of existing opportunities. Beneficiary groups include the primary clientele - the SMEs that needs to market their goods and services; buyers who were either not aware of local manufacturers or service providers.

The other is Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA) that has an overall mandate to conserve Mount Kilimanjaro - the major attraction and source of domestic tourism.

Mr Gama says The Kilimanjaro Regional Secretariat, Tanzania Chamber of Commerce Industry and Agriculture in collaboration with Tantrade proposed initiation of the KILIFAIR 2015 as a means to address the identified opportunities.

"Through proper collaboration, learning from others and personal experiences, we are sure to be better placed in organizing the festivals with other stakeholders and the well wishers," he says. Already KILIFAIR institution is lining up strategies for the next year's exhibition.