The Swahili International Tourism Expo 1stEdition was held in Tanzania, from 1 to 4 October. It was an opportunity to promote Burundi, attract investors and meet international counterparts.-By Lorraine Josiane Manishatse
Murisho JakayaKikwete, the President of Tanzania and Rose Ndayishimiye, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourismvisiting the Burundian stand ©Iwacu
According to Thomas Nkeshimana, who represented the Burundi Tea Office (OTB), many Tanzanians appreciated the quality of Burundian tea. “We have received orders from Tanzanian hotels owners and traders who want to export it to Europe. We are also in contact with partners from Sudan”, he says.
However, AugustinNdikuriyo, the owner of Augustine Tour, noticed that the private sector was not fully represented. “It would be better if more companies get the opportunity to be there. Burundi could benefit more.”
Christian Nibitanga represented the National Tourism Office. He feels it was a good opportunity to promote the image of Burundi. “During the expo we showed drummers andtraditional dancers. We tried to show the traditional life of Burundian citizens and all the things that might amaze visitors who cometo Burundi”,Nibitanga states.“It was also an occasion for our partners from the private sector to meet their international counterparts.”
Tanzania’s first ever International Tourism Expo focused on travel to Africa, in specific tropical tourism, sustainability, conservation and other market related issues.
A business opportunity
For Augustin Ndikuriyo, the owner of Augustine Tour, participating in the Tanzania Expo has been beneficial. “We just started partnerships with tour operators working in Tanzania, especially in Zanzibar and Arusha, so it was good to meet them again. We also met other agencieswho didn’t even know Burundi. We agreed with operators from Kenya, China, Germany and Australia that they will soon start working with Burundi and Rwanda.”
However, Ndikuriyo indicates that the ordinary public didn’t visitthe stands. “The entry fee was US $35. For many people that is too expensive. Before leaving, weraised that problem with the organization”, he points out. It is important to notice that the Burundi delegation was lead by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism, Rose Ndayishimiye. She was warmly welcomed as a VIP and it helped gain interest in our stand, Christian Nibitanga said. “MurishoJakayaKikwete, the President of Tanzania has visited our stand, something that pleased the Burundians who were there.
IWACU Open Data
