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Dar Fair offers tour package to localsBy Elisha Mayallah The one-hour flight from Kilimanjaro International Airport or KIA as is popularly known quickly becomes a distant memory as you arrive at the Dar es Salaam International Airport [DIA] and drive along the tarmac road that leads into the city centre. This just happened some few days ago when I had a chance to visit the now famous Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair [DITF], which began at the Mwalimu Nyerere grounds [or Saba Saba as is popularly known by the majority], on June 30th. A visit to the Mwalimu Nyerere grounds, which is this year hosting the 28th DITF, simply conjures up an array of emotions, from wonder to excitement, curiosity and eagerness. The creativity, expression and impulse purchase that you see in the grounds are overwhelming. And makes you think this is a shopping mall of its kind. One could easily visit the grounds daily and still discover a new spot of interest. The Board of External Trade [BET], who are the organizers of the event, confirmed the growth of local and foreign exhibitors. According to Mr. Kusiriel Mwasha, the acting Director of the Fair hinted that 287 firms confirmed their participation this time around. From the foreign participants a total of 28 exhibitors are showcasing the services and products at the DITF. Being a tourism ardent I could not help but spare some time at the complex stand of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism. Naturally, I was curious to getting some news to write in this column. Luckily, there was Mr. Peter Mwenguo, The Managing Director, Tanzania Tourist Board [TTB] and the Assistant Director of Tourism, Ms. Maria Mmari. Like most of the past Fairs at the Mwalimu Nyerere grounds, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism exhibition complex has been attracting many visitors. According to Mr. Mweguo a record was set on Sunday, July 4 when about 19, 500 people visited the stand. And on average over 15,000 visitors are patronizing the stand daily since opening the Fair. City dwellers are excited by the services and products showcased at the stand, this include chimps, lion and leopard among other tourism attractions available at the complex. However, Mr. Mwenguo complained of the noise coming out from the nearby exhibitors which include Heineken and TACAIDS. "The BET should plan to demarcate areas set for nearly similar activities as some of the services and products needs quietness and others would do better with loud music performance and other entertainment." Said Mr. Mwenguo, who once worked with the BET before crossing to TTB. "The next year’s stand will comprise of friendly facilities to enable disabled visitors to access various services and products in the complex stand with ease", said Ms. Mmari. There are plans to add more animals in the future Fairs to offer a noble apt to the public to recognize and appreciate their national heritage. Unlike at the Karibu Tanzania Trade Fair, which was held in Arusha towards the end of last May, the Tanzania National Park [TANAPA], who form part of the exhibitors in the complex stand of The Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism at DITF has this time organized day trips to Mikumi National Park at Tshs 10,000/= per person. The price include: return transport, entry fee for game viewing and light snacks. People of different ages are drawn to this promotion to see the wonderland of wildlife to be found nearby. Even though Tanzania is known far and wide and brings a notable number of tourists there are concerted efforts to woo more locals to tour the tourism attractions. According to Mr. Mwenguo, the target for this year is to attract 350,000 locals up from 270,000 locals recorded last year. What puts Tanzania on the preferred tourist destination map is her various tourism attractions available the country. There are already proposals afoot to recognize tourism as an export product given its competitiveness in attracting foreign money. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism is contributing over 25% of total export earnings, and accounts for about 16% of the country’s GDP. E-mail contact: ermayallah@yahoo.com
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