A key driver of a multi-billion-dollar tourism industry in Tanzania has
offered a cutting-edge power backup system worth more than $15,000 to
immigration department to guarantee seamless clearance services at
Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Idea behind the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) to step up
support is to complement the government efforts to create seamless, secure
and efficient immigration services for tourists and other travellers at KIA.
KIA, straddles in the middle of Tanzania’s northern tourism circuit, is the
country’s strategic gateway for close to 80 percent of 1.5 million tourists
visiting annually and leaving behind $2.6 billion as well as a large chunk
of horticultural crops export and other cargoes.
“No more blackouts at immigration department at Kilimanjaro International
Airport – as TATO members have installed a cutting-edge power backup system
with capacity to supply electricity for 10-hour non-stop incase of power
interruption” said TATO chairman, Wilbard Chambulo.
He added: “We, TATO members have resolved to donate the modern power backup
system to run all immigration systems that sometimes were off due to power
blackout in our latest initiative to join the government hand to create
seamless, secure and efficient immigration services for tourists and other
travellers at KIA. We want to offer end-to-end travel experiences in
Tanzania,”
TATO Board member, Ms Fransica Masika said the association has always been
willing to go the extra mile in complimenting the government’s efforts in
developing the country.
“Deep inside we are committed to build our very own country for we certainly
know that no one will come from nowhere to develop our nation on our behalf”
Ms Masika explained.
She commended immigration department for being efficient and effective
institution in providing high quality immigration services that conform to
both national and international standards, in all entry points, saying that
the move raises the profile of Tanzania high.
“I’m very proud of immigration department for a job well done. You have
really revolutionized our passport and it is now recognized internationally.
Last time, I was in Europe to promote a Tanzania tourism destination, where
my state-of-the-art passport was just scanned, leaving others behind” Ms
Masika noted.
Receiving the power backup system, the immigration commissioner general, Dr.
Anna Makakala thanked TATO members for their support, as it will go a long
way to enhance the immigration services, particularly this time where all
services have gone online.
“I can’t thank the TATO members enough for identifying the challenge facing
the immigration department and creating solution. I’m so humbled and proud
of you, as your power backup system will play a pivotal role in ensuring
immigration offers seamless e-services” Dr. Makakala said.
She said that the TATO support would help the immigration to better serve
the influx of travellers, thanks to the President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s
initiative through the Royal Tour Film.
Indeed, Tanzania’s Royal Tour film content, its strategic premiere USA
market and timing have started paying dividends in terms of commanding
significant traffic of tourists.
Produced by Peter Greenberg, the maiden film featuring President Dr. Samia,
as his key guide-showcasing Tanzania’s rich cultural, wildlife heritage and
array of investment opportunities through her leadership eye, was launched
in New York, U.S on April 18, 2022.
What makes the “Royal tour” series different from most tourism-related
programing is that, aside from presenting an informal and personal side of a
leader, it presents a 360-degree view of a Tanzania, the home of number one
Safari destination in the World, housing four of the most coveted adventure
hotspots on earth: the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, and
Ngorongoro Crater compounded by the kind hearted people of Tanzania.
Immigration chief implored other stakeholders to emulate the TATO spirit, if
the country is to achieve the development targets.
