The East African Business Council (EABC) Executive Director, John Bosco Kalisa and Zephania Shaidi, EABC Membership Manager today took part in the Tourism Investment Forum Arusha Edition, organized under the theme “Investment in Sustainable Tourism: Tapping the Opportunities of the Royal Tour and Beyond.”
The forum was officiated by Prof. Kitila Mkumbo, Minister of State, President’s Office, Planning and Investment, who applauded President Samia Suluhu Hassan for building stronger international relations, boosting tourism, and business ties.
Angela Kairuki, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, stated that following the Royal Tour by the President, Tanzania has attained 1.8 million tourists, contributing more than 17.5% to GDP, creating 1.6 million jobs and 25% contribution to foreign currency. Tanzania has a target to reach 5 million tourists and USD. 6 billion revenues.
Paul Makonda, Regional Commissioner of Arusha, proposed for the launch of Arusha Investment Centre to offer quick support to foreign and local investors.
He committed to transforming Arusha into a smart city leading in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism. He stated tourism and hospitality sectors are at the center of success of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027.
In his remarks, Mr. Raphael Maganga elaborated on the need for diversification of tourism services, improvement of transport and logistics, and quickening tax reforms to improve the business and investment climate in the sector.
During the forum, the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) presented on investment opportunities and incentives in the tourism sector. The forum discussed the state of the business environment in tourism and investment partnership opportunities between the public and private sectors.
The EABC has been advocating for liberalization of air transport services in the EAC region to lower cost of air tickets and tourism. EABC study revealed a percentage increase in passenger traffic leads to a 0.1666 percent increase in tourism receipts.
Similarly, a percentage increase in freight carrier departures leads to a 0.299 percent increase in tourism receipts. Air transport liberalization in the EAC countries could result in an additional 46,320 jobs and US$ 202.1 Million per annum in GDP.
Issues Discussed:
• Liberalization of air transport
• Peace, Stability, and Security
• Transport & logistic Infrastructure
• Hospitality
• Human Capital Development
• Public-Private Dialogue
• Tax reforms