The answer may surprise you; most people
think Tanzanians are becoming overnight multi-millionaires because of the
tourism sector which in the past few years has quadruple. Yes there are more
tour companies in Arusha city alone than
in many cities combined, yes the tourism sector is the number one employer in
Arusha, and yes safari companies, hotels, bnb’s, lodges, Inns are popin up faster than you can keep up. But
the little secret shared by many of the veterans owners of these tour
companies, and establishments is, most of the time they just make enough to pay their overhead, add a
car or two a year and just a bit left over for profit which in turn has to be
saved for the next travel season.
So the million dollar question is who
really cashing in? The answer may surprise many but it’s just facts, western
travel agents, online travel companies, brokers and just a small percentage of
Tanzanians who have deep contacts all over the world are the true winners."Sometime keeping profits for up to 45% then bargaining with small safari companies and accommodations to do the rest" as one tour company operator advised me. It's
job well done by mom and pops safari companies and accommodations doing all
they can to make the best out of the Tanzania tourism by training their staff ,
investing and advertising Tanzania to the world with the little cash they have,
but with shady contracts, problematic infrastructure, high taxes, low government support and
the global competition which has been fueled by the internet revolution,
achieving the multi-millionaire status just engaging in tourism, is a blinking
light seen at the end of a far away tunnel.
Brought to you by Tumaini Cottage Arusha tourist choice accommodation.Supporting responsible tourism in Africa. For all your Arusha accommodation and conference facility needs visit us at www.tumainicottage.com or call us today at 784-588-698 .Join us on facebook at http://facebook.com/tumainicottage or follow us on twitter at http://twitter.com/tumainicottage
