Training workshops for hoteliers, lodge operators organised in Arusha

The Responsible Tourism Tanzania (RTTZ), in partnership with the British High Commission and other stakeholders, has organised a series of training workshops for hoteliers and lodge operators in Tanzania. The workshops focus on responsible tourism and eco-certification schemes. Other stakeholders who support the programme include the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) with Travelife International, Hotel Association Tanzania and Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors.

The training programme, which will be held in Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam, is meant to establish a Tanzanian national certification scheme for hotels and lodges in line with international global sustainable council guidelines. Speaking at the launch of the first training workshop in Arusha yesterday, Damian Bell from the Honeyguide Foundation/RTTZ urged service providers to operate in a sustainable manner, taking into account environmental and community considerations. “This will provide the Tanzanian tourist industry with an enhanced competitive edge within the competitive global tourist market,” he said. “Strong, well-administered eco-certification schemes and an internationally compliant strategy will give Tanzanian lodges an advantage in attracting today’s more ethically-aware traveller.” 

He noted that the programme was tailored in a way that beneficiaries understood a wide-range of issues on responsible tourism, as well as on what international market trends. The training workshops aim at empowering chief executive officers, hotel managers, marketing and sales managers and operational managers in the tourist industry acquire requisite skills and knowledge of eco-tourism. RTTZ is about encouraging and promoting a more sustainable tourist industry in the country. It stands for protecting and caring for diverse cultures as well as its natural environment, whilst capitalising on business and economic sustainability. Bell further stated that RTTZ membership was open for all members of the tourist industry. 

“We welcome founding members to join and support the development of the association.” 

“This is a very important training workshop for the betterment of the tourist industry as it gives participants opportunities to explore the advantages of sustainable and responsible tourism management for their own befits and the sector as a whole,” one of the Arusha-based training participants said. 

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN