CO-ORDINATED COVID-19 MITIGATION MEASURES FOR THE TANZANIA TOURISM INDUSTRY
Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) is the leading Membership Based Association for the tourism industry in Tanzania, with members throughout the country and a highly pro-active approach.
When the scale of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on the tourism industry in Tanzania became apparent, TATO and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism of the Government of Tanzania set out to identify and mitigate the concerns that may be felt by international tourists considering a visit to Tanzania in this time of heightened medical safety concerns.
It was assessed that Tanzania’s wild areas present low risk to possible transmission of COVID-19 due to extremely low human population density, abundant fresh air and a warm, sunny climate. However, tourists would have to pass through higher risk situations such as international and local air travel and transit through cities and other areas of denser population. Thus, tourists may have heightened health concerns, specifically two areas were identified:
- ‘Do I have a higher risk of being exposed to the Coronavirus whilst on holiday in Tanzania?’ To address this, TATO, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism and the Ministry of Health of the Government of Tanzania collaborated in the development of Standard Operating Procedures for the tourism industry.
- ‘What if I fall ill whilst in Tanzania?’ To address this, TATO, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism and the Ministry of Health of the Government of Tanzania collaborated in the set-up a containment and evacuation system for tourists in the Northern Circuit (Serengeti/Tarangire/Manyara/Arusha/Kilimanjaro). This has been achieved by converting four bush-ready Toyota Landcruiser ambulances and a modern, tented medical facility in Seronera (Serengeti National Park) all of which are fully equipped to an international standard and able to handle COVID-19 cases (early stage).
In addition, the medical evacuation organizations (such as Emergency air evacuation companies and Flying Doctor) were contacted to ensure that their services would seamlessly integrate with this system in order to evacuate those cases that require hospitalization to the nearest centre of excellence, such as FAME in Karatu, Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre or elsewhere.
In light of this updates and robust measures taken, you are strongly advised to , who may be considering a visit to Tanzania.
Thank you very much for considering Tanzania as your most favourite safari destinations and more importantly travelling with TATO Members.
Sirili Akko (CEO)
