The Tourism industry in Tanzania is booming
All is well in Arusha. Hard to believe I’m here a month already! Things at Karibu are busy, busy with the annual trade fair rapidly approaching in early June. It’s an interesting challenge to balance the immediate operational needs of Karibu with the need for long term strategic plans and improved business structure. Prior to arriving I had some concern that it might be difficult to make a meaningful contribution in just three months. However, there is an abundance of opportunity for my involvement and I’m thrilled to be contributing many new tools and ideas each day.
The Tourism industry in Tanzania is booming. I recently read it now generates $1 Billion, almost triple that of agriculture, which until quite recently was the leading GDP contributor in East Africa. So, it is certainly an exciting time to be here, working with organizations like the Tanzanian Association of Tour Operators and the Tanzanian Tourism Board to insure sustainable growth for the region.
This week I met with a local business attorney to further research options for incorporating Karibu (it is now part of a parent association). And based on what I’ve learned, I will write a proposal that Karibu pursue registration as a Section 21 company (LLC by Guarantee) and apply for tax exemption.
Also exciting is my upcoming trip to Indaba in May, a sizable tourism trade event in Durbin, South Africa. The show attracts many international visitors and receives media attention from around the world. I, along with two Karibu staff members, will be there to represent, network, and promote Karibu and the fair’s 10 year anniversary (2009). An important goal for Karibu is to increase the international participation level, so this is a great marketing opportunity / venue to reach a broad base of new prospective participants.
Outside of work, I am finding time to explore the area, meet wonderful people, and enjoy a completely different style of life. My first mini-safari included an amazing range of African wildlife including white colobus and blue (syke) monkeys, reedbuck, warthog, giraffe, zebra, beautiful black buffalo, baboons, colourful birds, water buck, dik diks, red diker, and more…..looking forward to lions, leopards, and elephants next trip to the bush!