Tourism Update readers are of the general consensus that Tanzania has suffered a setback to its reputation as a tourism destination following post-election violence in October and November.
Almost two thirds of respondents (60.2%) to our latest poll agreed that the country’s reputation has suffered a significant setback. Just 16.3% of readers said a significant setback isn’t suffered while 23.5% said they are “Unsure”.
The unrest after the October 29 election prompted key overseas source markets such as the US and the UK to upgrade their travel advisories for the East African nation. The US advisory, last updated on October 31, is still at Level 3: reconsider travel. On November 14, the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office downgraded its travel warning and only advises against all but essential travel to the area within 20km of the border with Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province due to terrorism risks.
Tanzania’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism reassured international visitors in an early November statement that peace and stability returned to the country.
“All social, economic and tourism activities are proceeding normally. Travellers are therefore encouraged to proceed with their plans. The United Republic of Tanzania remains a peaceful, stable and welcoming destination for tourism, business and investment,” said Ministry Spokesperson Nteghenjwa Hosseah.
Has Moz matured as an ‘all-in-one’ bush and beach destination?
As Tourism Update reported today, Mozambique is attracting more investment from leading tourism groups, including Singita and the Aman Group.
The significant strides made in rebuilding the country’s safari regions and developing world-class coastal offerings, paired with government’s renewed focus on tourism, are growing the country’s attractiveness as an “all-in-one” bush and beach destination.
What is your take on the country’s capacity for offering high-end bush and beach itineraries that can compete with the likes of Kruger and Cape Town or Zanzibar and the Serengeti?
Our poll question this week is:
