Assessment Report DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM AND MARKETING STRATEGY FOR THE SOUTHERN CIRCUIT, TANZANIA December 2014
Development of Tourism and Marketing Strategy for the Southern Circuit, Tanzania
SPANEST Project
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Development of Tourism and Marketing Strategy for the Southern Circuit, Tanzania
Acronymic
AWF
: African Wildlife Foundation
BRELA
: Business Registrations and Licensing Agency
CITES
: Convention of International Trade on Endangered Species
Client
: UNDP / SPANEST Project
Consultant
: Target Euro Srl
CRB
: Contractors Registration Board
CSP
: Corporate Strategic Plan
DALP
: Development Action License Lease Procedures
ERB
: Engineers Registration Board
EU
: European Union
FZS
: Frankfurt Zoological Society
GIZ
: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale
GMP/EIA
: General Management Plan / Environmental Impact Assessment
HAT
: Hotel Association of Tanzania
ITTA
: Intra-African Tourism and Travel Association
IUCN
: International Union for Conservation of Nature
JICA
: Japanese International Cooperation Agency
LCA
: Leadership for Conservation in Africa
MNRT
: Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism
NBAA
: National Board of Accountants and Auditors
NCC
: National Construction Council
NP
: National Park
NGOs
: Non-Government Organization
NORAD
: Norwegian Agency for International Development
PA
: Protected Area
PFDI-UK
: Department for International Development, United Kingdom
SHARPP
: Southern Highlands and Ruaha-katavi Protection Program
SUMATRA
: Surface and Marine Transport Regulatory Authority
TALA
: Tourist Agents Licensing Authority
TANROADS
: Tanzania Roads Agency
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TAOA
: Tanzania Air Operators' Association
TATO
: Tanzania Association of Tour Operators
TAWIRI
: Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute
TCAA
: Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority
TANAPA
: Tanzania National Parks Authority
TCT
: Tourism Confederation of Tanzania
TAHOA
: Tanzania Hunting Operators Association
TASOTA
: Tanzania Association of Travel Agents
TPHA
: Tanzania Professional Hunters Association
TTB
: Tanzania Tourism Board
TTGA
: Tanzania Tour Guides Association
TTLB
: Tanzania Tourism Licensing Board
UNDP
: United National Development Programme
UNESCO
: United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization
USAID
: United States Agency for International Development
WCS
: Wildlife Conservation Society
WCST
: Wildlife Conservation Society Tanzania
WMA
: Wildlife Management Area
WWF
: World Wildlife Fund for Nature
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Table of contents Acronymic.......................................................................................................................... 2 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 7
1.
2.
Analysis of the tourism demand ............................................................................ 11 1.1
General overview of the tourism demand in Tanzania ..................................... 11
1.2
Visitors to the National Parks in Tanzania........................................................ 14
Analysis of the tourism supply ............................................................................... 17 2.1 Tourism Assets.................................................................................................. 18 2.1.1 Ruaha and Kitulo National Parks ............................................................. 19 2.1.2 Mikumi and Udzungwa Mountains National Parks .................................. 20 2.1.3 Game Reserves .......................................................................................... 21 2.1.4 Mafia Island and the coastal area of the Southern Circuit ....................... 22 2.2 Tourism Services .............................................................................................. 22 2.2.1 Accommodation......................................................................................... 23 2.2.2 Restaurants ............................................................................................... 26 2.2.3 Tour Operators ......................................................................................... 27 2.2.4 Transports ................................................................................................. 28 2.2.5 Tourist guides............................................................................................ 29 2.2.6 Other tourism services and facilities......................................................... 30 2.3 Infrastructures ................................................................................................... 30 2.3.1 Accessibility of Ruaha National Park ....................................................... 30
3.
2.4
Information ....................................................................................................... 37
2.5
Tourism products .............................................................................................. 38
2.6
The present “International Marketing Strategy” ............................................... 39
Legal framework & main stakeholders................................................................. 45 3.1 Legislation framework ...................................................................................... 46 3.1.1 Interpretation of some key terms ............................................................... 46 3.1.2 Legal mandate of Tanzania national parks (TANAPA) ............................ 46 3.1.3 Control of national parks .......................................................................... 48 3.1.4 Private sector involvement ........................................................................ 50 3.2
General Management Plans of Ruaha and Kitulo NPs ..................................... 51
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3.3
4.
Main stakeholders ............................................................................................. 52
Analysis of the competitiveness .............................................................................. 56 4.1
The competitors in the perception of the tour operators ................................... 56
4.2 The competitors in the catalogues of international tour operators .................... 59 4.2.1 Study of the catalogues ............................................................................. 59 4.3
Tanzania in the OTA ......................................................................................... 64
4.4
Tourism flows to Tanzania and to competitors Countries ................................ 65
4.5
Cost of flights .................................................................................................... 68
5.
Tourism projects and programs undertaken by the most important stakeholders ............................................................................................................. 70 5.1 List of projects and programs ............................................................................ 71
6.
Main constrains limiting the tourism development ............................................. 74
7.
SWOT Analysis ....................................................................................................... 78
8.
Next steps ................................................................................................................. 82
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Introduction Target Euro Srl has been retained by the UNDP to provide technical assistance services for the conceptualization and design of the Tourism Development and Marketing Strategy of the Southern Circuit in Tanzania. As suggested by the ToR, the technical assistance provided by Target Euro Srl is organized in three different phases (detailed study, identification of the objectives, elaboration of the tourism development and marketing strategies). This first report represents the Detailed Study about the actual situation of tourism in the Southern Circuit. Its specific objective is to provide a detailed background which is useful for the identification of the tourism development and marketing strategy to be implemented by all local and national stakeholders. The presented data in this report lays the basis for the forthcoming reports and project outputs. The working methodology of Target Euro is based on a detailed review of the documents, statistics and other information made available by TANAPA and the MNRT, as well as through the organization of dedicated meetings with local and national tourism stakeholders of the project area, including public and private actors. The consulting team, organized by Target Euro for the present assignment, also travelled to the project areas with the purpose to personally visit Ruaha and Kitulo National Parks, get to know the park attractions, verify its accessibility, accommodation standards, services, of course to have personal communications with the client. In addition, Target Euro carried out a questionnaire analysis with the tour operators in order to find out relevant information about the present tourism development of the area and the main constraints that are limiting its competitiveness compared to other tourism destinations in Tanzania and competitor countries. This survey is a qualitative investigation tool that allows Target Euro to quickly and easily collect information directly from important stakeholders for the promotion and commercialization of the tourism products. The outputs of this qualitative investigation was crossed with the quantitative analysis of the official data collected by Target Euro, with the double purpose to: i) confirm both official data and information collected by Target Euro; ii) verify the dynamic attitude of the tourism sector in the Southern Circuit. This analysis is not totally exhaustive, but it gives us important information to be taken into consideration for the identification of the next steps of the present technical assistance (definition of the development objectives, the tourism development and marketing strategies). Finally, Target Euro has activated a participatory approach with the local public and private stakeholders and other actors, such as international organizations, with the purpose to avoid replications of activities and promote collaboration for a long term sustainable tourism development of the Southern Circuit.
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Project area – the Southern Circuit As stated in the TOR, the National Parks that comprise the Southern Circuit are Mikumi, Ruaha, Udzungwa Mountains and Kitulo. Of the four, Ruaha National Park (RUNAPA) is the largest in terms of size with an area of 20,226 km2. In addition, there are several other Protected Areas (PAs) and additionally documented attractions including the Selous Game Reserve; Mpanga Kipengere Game Reserve, the Livingstone Mountains; Kalambo Falls; Isimila Stone Age Site; the Mbozi Meteorite; Tendenguru; Mafia Island; Ruvuma River; Lake Nyasa, and Lake Rukwa.
Source: google maps, elaborated by Target Euro
The southern circuit of Tanzania boarders to the south-west to the countries of Zambia and Malawi, and to the south to Mozambique. Its surface covers more than 300.000 km², the three most important cities for trade, commerce, socio-economic activities and cultural life are Iringa, Mbeya, and Songea. Apart of these urban centers the southern circuit mainly hosts its population in rural settings of which most are busy with subsistence farming. Infrastructure of the southern circuit is constantly getting better with the TAN-highway connecting Dodoma with Iringa, and Iringa with Mbeya. Apart of the main roads there are hardly any paved roads though. Mbeya recently enjoys important improvement in infrastructure such as new urban bus terminals as well as Songwe airport, a new international airport about 25km south-west of the city. Regarding the situation of telecommunications in Tanzania the net and internet G-3 coverage is widely working in the southern circuit although bandwidth remains very low.
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Finally, the analysis of Target Euro is mainly focused on Ruaha and Kitulo National Parks. However, other destinations of the Southern Circuit, such as Selous GR, Mikumi and Udzungwa NPs, are taken into consideration, especially referring to the analysis of their tourism demand and supply.
* * * * *
This report consists of 8 chapters and 3 annexes as follows: - Chapter 1: Analysis of the tourism demand This chapter includes a general analysis of the present international tourism demand at national level. The chapter analyses the tourism flow by market of origin and includes a short detail about the present tourism arrivals in Ruaha and Kitulo National Parks. - Chapter 2: Analysis of the tourism supply The present chapter includes an analysis of the present tourism supply in the Southern Circuit, with an emphasis on the Ruaha and Kitulo NPs. It includes a short analysis of the tourism elements composing the tourism products (tourism assets, services, infrastructures and information). In addition, it includes a summary of the International Marketing Strategy developed by TANAPA and TTC in 2012. - Chapter 3: Legal framework and main stakeholders This chapter takes into account the present legislation, which is regulating the preservation of the natural resources and the development of the tourism development in Tanzania. It also identifies the most important key actors, which are part of the present tourism organization of the Country and that should have to be taken into consideration for the formulation and implementation of the tourism development and marketing strategy. - Chapter 4: Analysis of the competitiveness This chapter includes an analysis of the present competitiveness of the Country compared to other similar destinations in the world. Target Euro has developed this analysis through a questionnaire addressed to the tour operators and an internetbased analysis on the main tourism commercialization platforms. - Chapter 5: Tourism projects and programs This chapter identifies the most important projects and programs actually under implementation in the project area (Ruaha and Kitulo NPs). The main purpose is to define what is going on in the area so we can avoid to duplicate what other stakeholders are already implementing. The methodological approach is to find out potential collaborations with local and international stakeholders. - Chapter 6: Main constraints limiting the tourism development In this chapter, Target Euro describes the main constraints that are actually limiting the tourism development of the Southern Circuit. This information is particularly
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important because it represents the basic element for the definition of the tourism development and marketing strategies. - Chapter 7: SWOT analysis and suggestions This chapter includes a SWOT analysis of the key elements to be considered for the tourism development and marketing strategies of the Southern Circuit of Tanzania. In addition, for each key element the most important suggestions have been listed, too. These suggestions should be considered as guidelines for the next two steps of this technical assistance related to the identification of the development objectives and the strategies. - Chapter 8: Next steps The last chapter includes the list of activities to be done during next months for the implementation of steps 2 and 3, as planed in the working methodology proposed by Target Euro.
Finally, the following annexes have been included in this First Report: - Annex 1 – List of stakeholders met - Annex 2 – Details about the field mission in Ruaha and Kitulo National Parks - Annex 3 – Questionnaire to the Tour Operators
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1.
Analysis of the tourism demand
1.1
General overview of the tourism demand in Tanzania
Based on the UNWTO Yearbook 2014, almost 1.1 million international tourists arrived in Tanzania in 2012. This amount includes around 34,000 same-dayvisitors. Tab#01 : Total tourism arrivals 2008-2012 (units: '000)
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Total
770
714
783
868
1.077
♦ Overnight visitors (tourists)
750
695
754
843
1.043
20
19
29
25
34
♦ Same-day visitors (excursionists in transit) Source: UNWTO Yearbook 2014
International tourism demand is growing quickly in Tanzania, with around +9% per year over the last 5 years. African Countries are the most important market of origin for almost half of the present tourism demand (45,4%), followed by Europe (30,6%) and Asia (12,6% including South and East Asia and the Pacific). Tab#02: Tourism arrivals by Region 2008-2012 (units: '000) Total ♦ Africa ♦ Americas ♦ East Asia and the Pacific ♦ Europe ♦ Middle East ♦ South Asia Source: UNWTO Yearbook 2014
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
770 373 88 32 246 10 21
714 349 68 31 233 11 22
783 392 71 43 243 10 24
868 446 95 40 250 15 22
1.078 490 101 79 330 21 57
The analysis of the trend of the international tourism demand during the last five years shows that arrival growth has increased by almost 40% in Tanzania, with a general growth of all tourism markets. However, East and South Asia and the Middle East are the regions, which have registered the highest percentage of growth. While, the most important tourism markets for the present tourism sector in Tanzania (Africa and Europe) are registering a below-average growth. Please note that, this situation does not mean that the traditional tourism markets for Tanzania are decreasing their interest in Tanzania, but probably that the Country is attracting new tourism markets.
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Tab#03: Tourism arrivals by Region 2008-2012 and market share (details) 2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Market share 2012
TOTAL
770.469
714.367
782.699
867.994
1.078.178
100,00
AFRICA East Africa Central Africa North Africa Southern Africa West Africa
373.053
348.765
392.137
445.750
489.864
321.282 9.390 1.133 30.795 10.453
304.856 7.968 1.907 27.510 6.524
334.986 14.465 3.899 32.442 6.345
354.635 22.511 3.886 39.069 25.649
411.065 18.824 2.462 35.716 21.797
MIDDLE EAST
10.377
11.121
10.521
15.281
245.873
233.559
242.828
10.160 91.589 57.399 81.846 4.879
12.819 80.369 59.899 76.937 3.535
17.616 78.224 71.553 70.558 4.877
EAST ASIA AND THE PACIFIC North-East Asia South-East Asia Australasia Melanesia Polynesia
32.442
31.013
16.016 3.099 13.168 159
15.437 2.982 12.443 146 5
SOUTH ASIA
20.889
AMERICAS Caribbean Central America North America South America
EUROPE Central/Eastern Europe Northern Europe Southern Europe Western Europe East Mediterranean Europe
% Change 2012-2011
24,21
39,94
45,43
9,90
31,31
38,13 1,75 0,23 3,31 2,02
15,91 -16,38 -36,64 -8,58 -15,02
27,95 100,47 117,30 15,98 108,52
21.348
1,98
39,70
105,72
249.910
330.207
30,63
32,13
34,30
12.881 81.832 59.234 91.304 4.659
40.834 108.496 71.443 101.891 7.543
3,79 10,06 6,63 9,45 0,70
217,01 32,58 20,61 11,60 61,90
301,91 18,46 24,47 24,49 54,60
42.520
39.619
79.179
7,34
99,85
144,06
19.915 8.601 13.694 310
16.683 5.548 15.704 1.681 3
33.280 19.742 25.751 406
3,09 1,83 2,39 0,04
99,48 255,84 63,98 -75,85
107,79 537,04 95,56 155,33
21.620
24.135
21.931
56.598
5,25
158,07
170,95
87.835
68.289
70.558
95.503
100.982
9,37
5,74
14,97
1.039 473 84.151 2.172
1.168 204 63.179 3.738
1.667 600 64.800 3.491
2.226 696 65.426 27.155
3.923 4.944 84.639 7.476
0,36 0,46 7,85 0,69
76,24 610,34 29,37 -72,47
277,57 945,24 0,58 244,20
Source: UNWTO Yearbook 2014
The capacity of the Tanzania tourism industry to attract new and different tourism markets is also demonstrated by the analysis of the Top10 Countries of origin of the present tourism demand. As showed in Tab#04, the market share of the Top10 Countries has decreased from almost 65% to 55% in the last ten years. Kenya is the most important Country of origin of the present tourism demand, representing 17% of total arrivals. However, the trend analysis shows that it has been stagnant in the last five years. In addition, the analysis shows that six out of ten top Countries are African (especially neighbouring Countries, such as Zambia, Burundi, Uganda and Zimbabwe and South Africa). The most important European Countries of origin for Tanzania are UK, Italy and Germany, with a market share of 6.5%, 6.1% and 3.4% respectively. Finally, the United States of America represents the third most important market of origin for Tanzania with almost 70,000 tourists per year (6.1% of market share).
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% Change 2012-2008
Development of Tourism and Marketing Strategy for the Southern Circuit, Tanzania
Tab#04: Top 10 Countries - 2008-2012 2008
2009
2010
2011
TOTAL (World)
770.469
714.367
782.699
867.994 1.078.178
24,2
39,9
Total (Top10)
500.104
458.931
497.764
524.723
597.321
13,8
19,4
64,9%
64,2%
63,6%
60,5%
55,4%
184.269
177.929
193.474
171.473
183.269
17,0
6,9
-0,5
United Kingdom
58.245
53.753
48.587
58.369
69.680
6,5
19,4
19,6
United States of America
66.953
47.943
49.215
47.766
65.110
6,1
36,3
-2,8
Zambia
37.682
26.999
34.983
47.898
51.880
4,8
8,3
37,7
Italy
45.950
47.804
59.603
45.590
50.187
4,7
10,1
9,2
Burundi
11.721
14.581
17.440
34.341
43.194
4,0
25,8
268,6
Germany
27.100
25.508
25.246
36.010
36.626
3,4
1,7
35,2
Uganda
31.682
32.826
31.869
32.634
36.583
3,4
12,1
15,5
South Africa
28.721
25.586
29.823
33.543
32.701
3,0
-2,5
13,9
7.781
6.002
7.524
17.099
28.091
2,6
64,3
261,0
Market share (top10)
Kenya
Zimbabwe
2012
% % % Market Change Change share 2012-2011 2012-2008 2012
Source: UNWTO Yearbook 2014
Considering the purpose of trips, UNWTO data shows that almost 95% of tourists came to Tanzania for personal reasons. In particular, 78% visited the Country for holidays and pleasure, while almost 17% of tourism arrivals were related to other personal purposes. The trend of this typology of tourists’ shows that this last tourism demand has increased sensitively in the last five years, growing from 11% to 17% of the total tourism flows recorded in Tanzania. Finally, business tourism represents only 5% of total arrivals. Tab#05: Tourism arrivals by main purpose 2008-2012 (units: '000) Total ♦ Personal * holidays, leisure and recreation * other personal purposes ♦ Business and professional Source: UNWTO Yearbook 2014
2008 770
2009 714
733 650 83 37
2010 783
685 593 92 29
2011 868
727 609 118 56
821 694 127 47
2012 1.077 1.021 843 178 56
In addition, flying is the most popular mode of transport for arriving to the Country for more than 56% of tourists, while the other tourists arrive by land (especially road, 43%).
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Tab#06: Tourism arrivals by mode of transport 2008-2012 (units: '000)
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
770 439 9 322 5 317
714 380 10 324 3 321
783 405 23 355 3 352
868 476 3 389 4 385
1.076 604 3 469 7 462
Total ♦ Air ♦ Water ♦ Land * railway * road Source: UNWTO Yearbook 2014
Considering the organization of the trip, UNWTO data shows that more than half (51.5%) of the tourists arrive in the Country with a pre-organized package tour, while the other half prefers to organize their trips by themselves or in other forms. Tab#07: Tourism arrivals by organization of the trip 2008-2012 (units: '000)
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
.. .. ..
714 480 234
782 443 339
868 417 451
1.077 555 522
Total ♦ Package tour ♦ Other forms Source: UNWTO Yearbook 2014
Finally, comparing the total expenditure of tourists arriving in Tanzania (tab#08) with the number of arrivals (tab#01) in the last five years, it is possible to verify that the average expenditure per tourist has decreased by around 200US$, passing from 1,680US$ to 1,490US$. Tab#08: Tourist Expenditure - 2008-2012 (units: US$ Millions) Total ♦ Travel ♦ Passenger transport ♦ Average expenditure per tourist (US$) Source: UNWTO Yearbook 2014
1.2
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
1.293 1.289 4 1,680
1.192 1.160 32 1,670
1.279 1.255 24 1,630
1.383 1.353 30 1,590
1.605 1.564 41 1,490
Visitors to the National Parks in Tanzania
Based on the data provided by TANAPA Hq in Arusha, there have been more than 1 million visitors to the national parks during the season 2013/2014. International tourists were around 60%, while domestic tourists 40%. The fact that 40% of tourists are Tanzanian is relevant because it favours the awareness of locals in preserving their cultural and natural heritage, which is an important factor for the conservation of such sites. The Northern Circuit is generating almost 80% of visitors, and Serengeti, Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks are the most popular parks in the Country. They represent around 66.5% of total visitors.
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The National Parks in the Southern Circuit are generating more than 80,000 visitors per year, representing 8% of total annual visitors of the National Parks in the Country. This Circuit is the second largest in terms of number of visitors, however even if it is rich in animals and vegetation, its performance recorded is far from that of the Northern Circuit (the relation is 1:10). Ruaha National Park recorded only 2.4% of total visitors at the national parks, while the number of visitors to Kitulo National Park is insignificant. Tab#09: Visitors to the National Parks in Tanzania 2013-2014 2013/2014 S/N
1
PARKS
FOREING DOMESTIC TOURISM TOURISM
TOTAL
NORTHERN CIRCUIT
506.755
310.154
816.909
78,7%
1.1
ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK
36.296
35.163
71.459
6,9%
1.2
KILIMANJARO NATIONAL PARK
51.282
2.886
54.168
5,2%
1.3
LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
124.650
51.715
176.365
17,0%
1.4
MKOMAZI NATIONAL PARK
715
492
1.207
0,1%
1.5
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
177.175
157.809
334.984
32,3%
1.6
TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
116.636
62.089
178.725
17,2%
2
SOUTHERN CIRCUIT
48.752
33.867
82.619
8,0%
2.1
KITULO NATIONAL PARK
169
152
321
0,0%
2.2
MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK
29.615
20.192
49.807
4,8%
2.3
RUAH NATIONAL PARK
14.805
9.901
24.706
2,4%
2.4
UDZUNGWA NATIONAL PARK
4.163
3.622
7.786
0,8%
10.867
16.665
1,6%
3
WESTERN CIRCUIT
5.798
3.1
GOMBE NATIONAL PARK
1.406
821
2.227
0,2%
3.2
KATAVI NATIONAL PARK
1.765
1.334
3.099
0,3%
3.3
MAHALE NATIONAL PARK
1.411
68
1.479
0,1%
3.4
RUBONDO NATIONAL PARK
817
364
1.181
0,1%
3.5
SAANANE NATIONAL PARK
399
8.280
8.679
0,8%
10.965
1,1%
4 4.1
EASTERN CIRCUIT SAADANI NATIONAL PARK TOTAL
3.623
7.342
3.623
7.342
10.965
623.100
414.306
1.037.407
1,1% 100,0%
Source: TANAPA Headquarter (Arusha), 2014
Based on the data provided by the TANAPA office at Ruaha National Park, more than 23,100 tourists visited the park in the 2013/2014 season. Since 2001, visitors have been increasing every year, recording a general growth of around 335% in the period 2001-2014. In addition, around 58% of visitors were international tourists,
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and the average overnights spent in the park were approximately 2.2 nights per tourist, for more than 50,000 nights spent in the park. Tab#10: Visitors to Ruaha National Park – 2013-2014 Year
Intern. Tourists
Domestic tourists
Total visitors
Total overnights
Average overnights
2001/02
3.454
1.866
5.320
9.640
1,8
2002/03
5.756
2.313
8.069
15.467
1,9
2003/04
7.139
2.760
9.899
20.175
2,0
2004/05
9.356
3.186
12.542
25.164
2,0
2005/06
12.461
4.714
17.175
34.065
2,0
2006/07
13.847
5.313
19.160
37.320
1,9
2007/08
13.953
8.082
22.035
43.070
2,0
2008/09
11.630
8.151
19.781
39.662
2,0
2009/10
11.040
8.039
19.079
38.300
2,0
2010/11
12.885
9.868
22.753
44.709
2,0
2011/12
13.950
9.721
23.671
46.342
2,0
2012/13
14.899
9.494
24.393
58.305
2,4
2013/14
13.489
9.673
23.162
50.046
2,2
Source: TANAPA office at Ruaha National Park, 2014
Finally, referring to Kitulo National Park, based on the data provided by the local TANAPA office, around 60% of total visitors during the 2013/2014 season were domestic tourists, while the other 40% were international tourists mainly coming from Germany, USA, UK and Switzerland.
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2.
Analysis of the tourism supply
This chapter details the main characteristics of the present tourism industry in the project area and how it is organized. This chapter also contains an analysis of the most critical issues to be considered for the formulation of the tourism development and marketing strategy. Target Euro has collected the information through personal interviews with local stakeholders, field visits, analysis of official data provided by TANAPA and a questionnaire analysis carried out with local tour operators. To fully understand the analysis, it is important to conceptualize the tourism industry and its characteristics because many different economic sectors play a part in the tourism supply system. The tourism product has a composite character, and is the result of an interactive process involving local assets and resources, local stakeholders and the local government. Often, tourism is viewed solely as a private sector activity when really, a successful and sustainable tourism development requires close collaboration between central government and the private sector as well as different government departments. Local Governments need to work with the private sector to establish parameters for tourism (e.g. policy objectives), facilitate tourism development (e.g. via tourist boards, service provision) and support it (e.g. via land using planning). The success of a tourist destination depends on the ability of those involved in local level tourism development, to coordinate and organize the different stakeholders involved in the local tourism supply. Based on this consideration, Target Euro has organized the analysis of the tourism supply in the project area in the following four elements: - Tourism assets - Tourism services - Infrastructures - Information
The analysis is focused on both Ruaha and Kitulo National Parks. Fig.1: Organization of the tourism product
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2.1
Tourism Assets
Tourism assets represent the trip motivation for tourists. Depending on the typology of the tourism products, local stakeholders combine the tourism assets (primary and secondary assets) with the purpose of making the destination more appealing. Based on the interviews with local stakeholders and the analysis of the available documentation, the Southern Circuit is richer in the diversity of natural and cultural resources compared to the other circuits in Tanzania, however, it is not developed from a tourism point of view. The entire Southern Circuit has many natural and cultural attractions both inside and outside the parks and protected areas, which contribute to it being taken into consideration as a tourism destination. It has great potential to be developed in the short term. Fig#02 - Southern Circuit - Tanzania
Source: Google map
The most important tourism attractions of the Southern Circuit are listed in the following pages.
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2.1.1 Ruaha and Kitulo National Parks Ruaha and Kitulo National Parks are the most important destinations for the present assignment, which should be primarily considered for the Tourism Development and Marketing Strategy of the Southern Circuit.
a)
Ruaha National Park
Located in the center near south of Tanzania, Ruaha National Park is the largest National Park in the Country. The park is named after the Hehe word “ruvaha”, meaning “river”. The addition of the Usangu Game Reserve and other important wetlands to the park in 2008 increased its size to around 20,226 square kilometers. The park is known for its large population of elephants, with about 10.000 roaming the park. In addition, there are many other mammals such as giraffes, hippos, buffalos, zebras, lions, sable antelope, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs and hyenas. 571 species of birds have been counted in Ruaha NP. Unfortunately, rhinoceros were last sighted in the park in 1982 and are most likely extinct due to poaching. b)
Kitulo Plateau National Park
The TANAPA web page says that locals refer to the Kitulo Plateau as “Bustani ya Mungu - The Garden of God”, while botanists have dubbed it the Serengeti of Flowers, host to “one of the great floral spectacles of the world”. Kitulo NP is a true botanic garden with more than 350 species of vascular plants, including 45 varieties of terrestrial orchids. In addition, there is a huge variety of flowers, including aloes, proteas, geraniums, giant lobelias, lilies and aster daisies, of which more than 30 species are endemic to southern Tanzania. The park is on a plateau around 2,600 meters above sea level between the rugged peaks of the Kipengere, Poroto and Livingstone Mountains. Finally, Kitulo NP is known not only for its flowers, but also for its variety of birds. Kitulo is an Important Bird Area (IBA) with wintering sites for various bird species from North Africa, South Africa, Australia and Europe. There are many animals like mountain reedbuck, foxes. The famous Kipunji, Africa’s first new species of monkey for over 20 years, was discovered in the remote Mountains in Southern Tanzania. c)
Other tourism attractions
Other important attractions inside and outside Ruaha and Kitulo National Parks are as follows: - Waterfalls – Nhumbe, Usalama and Mwakipembo - Kimani waterfalls - Livingstone and Nhumbe Forests
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-
Lulanda national forest, which is famous for Colobus Monkeys Nhumbe Valley – One of the main tributaries of the Great Ruaha River Dhambwe Crater Lake Mulivili Cave. Montane bamboo Forest Matema Beach Kiwira natural bridge Ngosi crater Lake Lake Masoko Mbozi Meteorite Isimila Stone Age Rural caves and caverns in the regions
2.1.2 Mikumi and Udzungwa Mountains National Parks These parks are located in the northeast part of the Southern Circuit, close to Dar Es Salaam, and for this reason they attract more visitors than Ruaha and Kitulo. a)
Mikumi National Park
The park, established in 1964, currently covers an area of 3230 km² and is the fourth largest in Tanzania. The park is crossed by Tanzania A-7 highway and is also the most accessible from Dar Es Salaam. The Lonely Planet guide says, “it makes an ideal safari destination for those without much time”. The landscape of Mikumi is often compared to that of the Serengeti. The fauna includes many species characteristic of the African savannah. According to the TANAPA webpage, the park contains lions, giraffes, elephants, zebras, impala, eland, kudu, black antelope, baboons, wildebeests and buffaloes. At about 5 km from the north of the park, there are two artificial pools inhabited by hippos. Finally, more than 400 different species of birds also inhabit the park. b)
Udzungwa Mountains National Park
According to the WWF webpage, Udzungwa mountain range represents part of the Eastern arc mountains. The range is unique, in that its vegetation is still predominant from low to high altitude, and its canopy is relatively unspoilt. It is home to 30-40% of endemic, rare and endangered species of plants and animals, and has some of the most ancient and diverse biological communities in Africa. The ranges are also a source of water for economic activities including power generation, farming and fishing. From an ornithologist’s point of view, the park includes more than 400 species, from the beautiful and easily located green-headed oriole to more than a dozen secretive Eastern Arc endemics.
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In addition, based on the TANAPA webpage for the park, four bird species are unusual for Udzungwa, including a forest partridge first discovered in 1991 and more closely related to an Asian genus than to any other African fowl. Of six primate species recorded, both the Iringa red colobus and Sanje Crested Mangabey cannot be seen anywhere else in the world – the latter, remarkably, remained undetected by biologists until to 1979. Udzungwa is a magnet for hikers. An excellent network of forest trails includes the popular half-day ramble to Sanje Waterfall, which plunges 170 metres (550 feet) through a misty spray into the forested valley below. The more challenging twonight Mwanihana Trail leads to the high plateau, with its panoramic views over surrounding sugar plantations, before ascending to Mwanihana peak, the secondhighest point in the range.
2.1.3 Game Reserves The most important game reserves included in the Southern Circuit are SElous Game Reserve and Mpanga / Kipengere Game Reserve. a)
Selous Game Reserve
Based on the Selous Game Reserve webpage, Selous reserve is the largest game reserve in Africa, and the second largest conservation area in Africa at 5,000sqkm. It is four times bigger than the Serengeti. This reserve is famous for its safari. Due it’s elaborate and unique beauty, its many safari animals and its history it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. A huge variety of attractions are included in the reserve, the most important are as follows: - Rivers: Great Rhuha and Rufiji rivers contribute to the wonderful landscape of the Selous Game Reserve. Hot volcanic springs, sporadic lakes and streams are common in this reserve. Boat trips along the Rufiji River are one of the most popular activities on a Tanzanian Safaris. - Birding and wildlife: the reserve hosts more than 350 species of birds and reptiles and 2,000 species of plants. Selous had the largest concentration of elephants (110,000) in Africa but this number was noticeably reduced during the ’70 and ’80 because of poaching (ivory war). Apart from the elephants, the Selous game reserve also has a vast range of game including: rhinos and hippopotamus, the brindled gnu, Nyasaland gnu, sable antelope, elands, greater kudus, waterbucks, hartebeests, zebras, giraffes, reedbucks, warthogs, spotted hyenas, lions, leopards, hunting dogs, in addition to the largest populations of buffalo in Africa.
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b)
Mpanga / Kipengere Game Reserve
Mpanga / Kipengere Game Reserve lies on the northern tip of the volcanic Livingstone - Kipengere mountain range. Based on the WWF webpage, the Reserve covers an area of 1,574 km2, at an altitude of 1,800 - 2,300 meters above sea level. It lies partly in the Makete and Njombe districts. It is the source of the Mbarali, Mlomboji, Kimani and Ipera Rivers, which flow northwards and joins to form the Great Ruaha River, which then flows into the Usangu Wetlands and associated swamps. The reserve area is rich in both flora and fauna. A unique montane forest type in Tanzania covers most of the reserve: “Southern Rift Montane Woodlands”. Preliminary findings of biodiversity survey conducted within the Kipengere Range and Mpanga Highland Catchment area during the dry season (June to September 2002) revealed that there are 28 species of indigenous mammals representing 17 families in woodland areas of the Reserve. Within the forest grassland mosaic areas of the Reserve, 24 species of indigenous mammals representing 16 families have been recorded. Apart from mammals, a large number of birds, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies and tree species were also recorded.
2.1.4 Mafia Island and the coastal area of the Southern Circuit This part of the Southern Circuit includes Mafia Island and the coast of South Tanzania. Even if not as popular as Zanzibar, they are both famous for their beautiful beaches and the crystalline seawater. Sun&beach and diving are the most popular activities (tourism products) supplied to tourists. In addition, its connection with Selous and Ruaha allows the tour operators to organize safaris for those tourists interested in this experience.
2.2
Tourism Services
The tourism services are those services that allow tourists to enjoy the tourism assets of a destination. A tourism asset cannot attract tourists if local stakeholders do not organize appropriate tourism services related to the tourism asset in question. The competition between destinations is mainly based on the ability of the tourism stakeholders to organize their tourism services. For the purpose of the present analysis, Target Euro has analyzed the following tourism services: - Accommodation - Restaurants - Tour Operators - Transports - Tourist guides - Other services
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Please, note that based on the request of the TOR, the analysis of the tourism services has been mainly based on Ruaha and Kitulo National Parks and surrounding areas. 2.2.1 Accommodation Almost 2,000 beds, including existing and planned accommodation facilities, represent the present accommodation capacity of the project area. Tab#11 - Accommodation facilities at the Ruaha and Kitulo National Parks Number of Max bed Typology accommodation capacity Ruaha National Park
31
1.313
Existing accommodation
17
608
Planned accommodation
14
705
Kitulo National Park
6
140
Existing accommodation
0
0
Planned accommodation
6
140
Other areas outside the parks
17
471
Existing accommodation
17
471
TOTAL existing
48
1.079
TOTAL planned TOTAL (existing + planned)
20 68
845 1.924
Source: Elaboration of the Consultant
In particular, around 55% of these beds refer to already existing accommodation, while the other 45% to accommodation under construction or in planning. See Table#12 for more details. Tab#12 - Accommodation at the Ruaha and Kitulo National Parks (details) number of Max bed Typology accommoQuality standards capacity dation Ruaha National Park
31
1.313
TANAPA Rest house Cottages Bandas Hostel Public Camp Sites Special camp sites
11 1 1 1 1 5 2
425 10 29 26 60 200 100
Mixed (High and low)
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Tab#12 (continue) - Accommodation at the Ruaha and Kitulo National Parks (details) number of Max bed Typology accommoQuality standards capacity dation PRIVATE SECTOR Lodges Permanent Tented Camps Seasonal Tented Camps New planned or under construction: Seasonal camps under construction Extension of the existing accomm. New projects (looking for investors) Lodge Seasonal Tented Camp
6 1 3 2 14 3 11 3 8
183 100 58 25 705 60 85 560 200 360
Kitulo National Park
6
140
Already existing in the Park New planned or under construction: Public Camp Sites Special Camp Sites New projects (looking for investors) Lodge Hotel
0 6 1 3 2 1 1
0 140 25 65 50
Outside the protected areas
17
471
Tugamalenga (Ruaha NP) Lodges Camp sites Matamba (Kitulo NP) Hotels/Motels Chimala (Kitulo NP) Hotels/Motels Lake Nyasa (Kitulo NP) Hotels
5 3 2 5 5 5 5 2 2
172 96 76 125 125 124 124 50 50
High
High Mixed (high and middle)
--
Very low
50
Mixed (high and low) Very low, mainly local visitors Very low, mainly local visitors Mixed (high and middle)
Source: Elaboration of the Consultant
The accommodation facilities inside the Ruaha National Park have a 608 bed capacity and an additional 705 beds are planned for the future. While Kitulo National Park does not have actual accommodation facilities but around 140 beds are planned for the future. In addition, 15 accommodation facilities and around 500 beds are located around the Ruaha and Kitulo National Parks, especially at the entry gates of both parks. Considering Ruaha NP, there are 5 accommodation facilities (Lodges and camp sites) in Tugamalenga for a total of 172 beds.
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Fig#03 - Present and future accommodation facilities at Ruaha National Park
Source: Elaborated by Target Euro Srl
Referring to Kitulo NP, the villages of Matamba and Chimala, close to the main entry gate, have 10 accommodation facilities for around 250 beds. Fig#04 - Present accommodation facilities at Kitulo National Park
Considering the quality of the facilities, Ruaha National Park has a generally high quality, especially the private sector facilities. While in Kitulo, the accommodation facilities are generally of low quality, without hot water and with frequent electricity blackouts.
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Fig#05 - Present and future accommodation facilities at Kitulo National Park
Finally, based on the data provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism of the United Republic of Tanzania, the total accommodation capacity of the regions of Iringa, Mbeya and Njombe (outside the parks) is equivalent to 75 accommodation faclities (mainly hotels and motels) for a total of around 1,200 beds. Tab#13 - Accommodation facilities in the Regions (Iringa, Mbeya, Njombe) number of Max bed Typology accommoQuality standards capacity dation Regions
75
1.191
Total Region of Iringa Total Region of Mbeya Total Region of Njombe
20 30 25
216 600 375
Mixed (high and low quality)
Source: Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism of the United Republic of Tanzania
2.2.2 Restaurants There is no statistical data about the number of restaurants in the project area. However, based on the interviews with local stakeholders and the Consultant´s field visit to the area, most tourists use the restaurants in the hotels and accommodation facilities, which generally have international standards. Outside the hotels or tourism accommodation facilities, it is rather difficult to find international standard catering - only a few places are suitable for visitors, while many bars/restaurants in the cities and villages cannot be suggested to international visitors.
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Referring to gastronomy, visitors can easily find local as well as international dishes. Finally, many stakeholders interviewed by Target Euro have declared the need to improve the quality of the current restaurants / bars, especially the hygienic conditions and services.
2.2.3 Tour Operators TATO (Tanzania Association of Tour Operators) is the most important tour operator association in the Country, with more than 300 members. The distribution channel is well organized, with tour operators working all over the Country promoting the most important natural and cultural assets. Based on the survey carried out by Target Euro with an online questionnaire submitted to 15 Tanzanian tour operators1, the present distribution channel in Tanzania has the following characteristics: - Around 60% of the tour operators interviewed sell their tourism services and packages directly to international tourists, as well as to other national and international tour operators (27%). - “All inclusive” is the most popular formula supplied by local tour operators (93%), followed by the simple supply of a place to stay (accommodation, 33%), an excursion (27%) or flight (27%). - All tour operators (100%) offer the National Parks and the other protected areas of the Country. In addition, sun&beach is the second most important destination supplied by tour operators (80%), followed by cultural sites (60%), and cities (20%). - Zanzibar is the most popular sun&beach destination offered by almost all tour operators. However, around 50% of those interviewed stated that they promoted other destinations on the coast. - Referring to the typology of accommodation, luxury lodges (93%) and boutique hotels (87%) are the most supplied by the tour operators, followed by luxury hotels (53%) and budget lodges (40%). - The Northern Circuit is supplied by almost 50% of the TO interviewed, however 43% also include the Southern Circuit in their offer. Considering the four National Parks composing the Southern Circuit, Ruaha NP is considered the most important by the tour operators (9 out of 15 tour operators have stated that they include it in their offer), while Kitulo NP is the least promoted. - Considering the tourism demand, the USA is the most important tourism market for the tour operators and around 87% of those interviewed are working with this market, followed by UK (73%), Australia (53%) and Germany (47%). 1
Target Euro submitted to the members of the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators an online questionnaire (see Annex 2) with the purpose of collecting information on the present distribution channels, the main tourism products promoted in the Country and how the Southern Circuit is considered. The survey was conducted in collaboration with a TATO Secretary, who assisted Target Euro in contacting the members and informing them about the present technical assistance and the importance of filling in the questionnaire.
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- Finally, Families are currently the most important tourism segment for the tour operators (87%), followed by Senior Groups (80%) and Small Groups (73%). Individuals and Young Couples are also important segments for around 67% of those interviewed. Tour operators work and promote all the destinations in the Country, however, the concentration of tour operators and travel agencies in a destination can be considered an indicator of the tourism development of the destination itself. Based on this assumption and considering the data provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, there are currently only eight tour operators in the regions of Iringa, Mbeya and Njombe. However, many local stakeholders interviewed by Target Euro during the field mission in the project area have declared that there are many unauthorized tour operators (around 20) located in the Southern Circuit. 2.2.4 Transports The accessibility to the main nature destinations of the Southern Circuit (National parks and reserves) is guaranteed by public and private transport services. Tourists can benefit from high to very low quality standards, depending on their preference and budget. Based on what was said by tour operators and other local stakeholders interviewed by Target Euro, the Southern Circuit (especially Selous and Ruaha) are often visited as a safari extension to a beach holiday on Zanzibar Island or one of the beaches around Dar Es Salaam. However, almost all local stakeholders consider the accessibility and transports to the Southern Circuit as one of the most important weaknesses for its tourism development. The situation by land and air is as follows: 1)
By land: It takes 4-5 hours by car from Dar Es Salaam to Selous Reserve and around 7 hours to Ruaha NP. Kitulo takes even longer considering that it is 5-6 hours from Iringa. Tourists travelling from Mbeya need around 2,5 hours to get to Kitulo NP. Considering the transportation services: - All tour operators are equipped with private 4x4 cars this is because Tanzanian law states that a local tour operator can only obtain a license until they have a least 3 vehicles, while an international tour operator needs at least 10 vehicles. - Private bus companies offer a connection service between the most important cities / tourism destinations and Iringa, Mbeya, and the other cities / villages located in the Southern Circuit.
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2)
By air: Most safaris to the Southern Circuit (especially Selous reserve and Ruaha NP) are fly-in packages from Dar Es Salaam and Zanzibar. In most cases, the tour operators picks the international tourists up at the airport in Dar Es Salaam and handle all further ground operations and domestic flights. There are scheduled and chartered flights from Dar Es Salaam, Zanzibar, Arusha (the base for the northern safari circuit) and other cities in Tanzania (Dodoma, etc.). The cities of Iringa and Mbeya are also connected by flights. The most important air companies flying to Iringa, Selous and Mbeya are: - FastJet (from Dar Es Salaam to Mbeya) - Regional Air (from Mtemeke, Siwandu, Stiegler’s, Kiba and Beho Beho to Selous) - Zan Air (from Zanzibar and Dar Es Salaam to Selous) - Safari Air Link (from Dar Es Salaam and Zanzibar to Selous, from Mikumi to Ruaha and Selous, From Mufindi, Katavi and Mahale to Ruaha) - Flightlink (from Dar Es Salaam, Zanzibar and Pemba to Selous) - Coastal Aviation (from Dar Es Salaam, Mafia, Selous, Serengeti, Kuro, Zanzibar to Ruaha; from Arusha, Dar Es Salaam, Kilwa, Manyara, Ruahah, Songo Songo and Zanzibar to Selous; from Dar Es Salam, Tanga, Arusha, Zanzibar, Songo Songo, Kilimangiaro, Pemba and Kilwa to Mafia). - Auric Air (from Ruaha and Sumbawanga to Mbeya; from Dar Es Salaam, Ruahah Msembe Airstrip and Sumbawanga to Iringa; and from many tourism destinations in the Country to Mafia Island) In general, flight tickets are relatively expensive and, depending on the number of passengers and/or the season, tourists can pay from US$ 150 to US$ 400 for one-way tickets.
2.2.5 Tourist guides The Tanzania Tour Guides Association (TTGA) is the most important tour guide association of the Country. They have multi-lingual (EN, IA, FR, D, etc.) tour guides specialized in the different natural and cultural assets of the Country. In addition, some park rangers provide tour guide services to tourists, and all tour operators have their own tour guide service, often included in the tourism package. Based on the interviews with the local stakeholders, many tour guides provide their services to tourists illegally. Finally, there is the need to improve the knowledge of foreign languages (especially English) and the information about the natural and cultural heritage of the Southern Circuit. This is because many tour guides work in other tourist destinations in the Country and do not know the Southern Circuit very well.
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2.2.6 Other tourism services and facilities Considering Ruaha National Park, there are four surveillance stations mainly used by tourists during walking safaris. There are some pic-nic areas equipped with table and toilettes. In addition, inside and outside Ruaha NP there are so called Information Centers; however, no one provides real information about the tourism attractions of the park. Finally, referring to Kitulo NP, it has very limited facilities. In general, only a few paths and some signals are developed.
2.3
Infrastructures
The present paragraph is aimed at analyzing the existing tourism infrastructure in the areas of Ruaha and Kitulo NP, particularly the accessibility of both National Parks since this is one of the most important factors for a destination in order to receive visitors. Regarding accessibility, we do not only consider the present situation but also infrastructural planning for the future, which has been approved and/or are already in the process of construction. 2.3.1 Accessibility of Ruaha National Park Present situation Presently the accessibility of Ruaha NP is limited. Although the park covers a territory of more than 20.000 km² there is only one entry gate for cars and two access points by plane. Access by car: The only entry gate to Ruaha NP, which can be passed by car, is at the Y-junction a few kilometers after Tungamalenga village. From Iringa, the biggest city in the vicinity of the main entry gate, the 130km journey to the park can be made in around 2 - 2,5 hours by car. From Tungamalenga the main entry gate can be reached in around 20 minutes. From Mbeya, an important trader and commercial city in the South-West, the main entry gate of Ruaha NP can be reached by car in around 6,5 hours with a total distance of around 470km. The distance from Dar es Salaam to the main entry gate is even longer, around 625km. The main entry gate is used by around 60% of all visitors who travel to Ruaha NP. Visitors arriving at the gate are asked to register in a guest book and pay the park entry fees. Visitors are allowed to enter the park with an individual car, although most of them come with organized tour operators and their respective drivers. On demand visitors get a leaflet with some general information about the park, a map of the park with basic information about the location of the different accommodation facilities, and the table of entry fees.
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Access by plane: Visitors can also arrive to Iringa airport by plane, the airport is located about 15 minutes outside of the city of Iringa and tourists can then continue by car to the park entry gate. Ruaha NP currently offers two airstrips, which are used to receive national and international visitors. Both airstrips are situated within the former Ruaha NP boundaries. While the airstrip at the Ruaha NP headquarters at Msembe is near to tourism accommodation facilities, the airstrip at Jongomero is situated further south-west next to the Jongomero camp, almost 65 km away from Msembe. Around 40% of all visitors to Ruaha NP enter the park via plane. Both airstrips are not tarmac paved. Fig#06: Map of Ruaha NP with present entry gates and airstrips, and existing accommodation facilities inside and outside the park
Source: Elaboration by Target Euro, data by google maps
Future situation For the future, Ruaha NP plans on developing new access points and has already made general decisions about the location of additional entry gates. Target Euro did not get any further information about design, size or number of buildings, the exact location, as well as the additional number of staff needed to manage the new access points. Ruaha NP takes into consideration the development of car entry gates and the opening of airstrips that are currently in existence but not operative for tourism purposes.
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Future entry gates for cars2 Regarding car entry gates Ruaha NP plans on opening six new points of access (as outlined in the GMP). These new entry gates will be staffed by Park Rangers who will be responsible for checking arrivals, selling tickets, and providing basic information to visitors. The planned entry gates will be constructed at the following locations: Mpululu (with Ranger Post) (North-west): the planned entry gate at Mpululu is located close to the Kizigo Game Reserve and will be strategic for visitors coming from Dodoma, although the connection via road has to be verified, the distance is about 180km. Lunda (with Ranger Post) (North-east): the planned entry gate at Lunda is located in the north-east of Ruaha NP and will be strategic for visitors coming from Dodoma (it is about 160km from Migole, from Dodoma to Lunda it is around 190km) or from Iringa (the distance Iringa to Lunda is about 90km). Madibira/Ikoga (with Ranger Post) (South-East): the planned entry gate at Ikoga is located to the East of the Usangu wetlands, from Iringa it is a 180km drive, a road connection exists. Majimoto: the planned entry gate at Majimoto is actually inside the park boundaries and located south of the Jongomero camp, the entry gate is to the North of the Usangu wetlands. Luhanga (South): the planned entry gate at Luhanga is located to the South of the Usango Plains and will be a strategic entry point for visitors arriving from Mbeya which is about 70km away. Lualaje/Chunya (South-west): the planned entry gate of Lualaje in the district of Chunya is about 250km away from Mbeya and can be reached via Ilungu. There is an operating airstrip in Chunya, a town located outside of the park boundaries. In total, there will be 7 new car entry gates in Ruaha NP. Future access by plane Inside Ruaha NP there are currently 5 airstrips that are labeled as "not operative". This means that the airstrips are currently used by park rangers, military, and in special occasions, such as for the Frankfurt Zoological Society and other organizations who are working inside the park. These airstrips are planned to be opened for tourism purposes. The locations of the new airstrips are as follows: Mpululu (with Ranger Post in the north-west) Majimoto (with Ranger Post): located inside the park, south of Jongomero Solelwambo: located in the south inside Ruaha NP, west of the Usangu plains Msangaji: located south-west inside Ruaha NP Magangwe (with Ranger Post): located in the north-west inside Ruaha NP
2
The consultant would like to highlight that information on the planned entry gates is scarce and that the locations will probably be subject to change. In addition, the locations on the map might not be exactly due to lack of precise information.
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It is not clear yet which airlines will fly to the planned airstrips but probably, Coastal Aviation and Auric Air will be interested since they already operate flights to Msembe airstrip. In total there will be 7 new access points for aircraft inside Ruaha NP. Fig#07: Map of Ruaha NP with present and future entry gates, airstrips, and existing accommodation facilities in- and outside the park
Source: Elaboration by Target Euro, data by google maps
Access by public transport Public busses (run by private transportation companies) leave from Dar es Salaam for Iringa three times a day. At 6AM, 10AM and at noon. From Iringa there are no public busses that go to the entry gate of Ruaha NP in Tungamalenga, public busses only arrive at the village of Tungamalenga and then head further south. Accessibility to Kitulo NP Present situation At the moment, the accessibility to Kitulo NP is limited to one entry gate which can be passed by car. The fact that Kitulo NP is located at an altitude of 2.500 - 3000 meters makes the accessibility difficult in terms of road conditions. Access by car The existing entry gate at Kitulo NP is located to the north of the park at Mwakapembe.
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The main entry gate at Mwakapembe has a nice visitor information center providing information about the park, its resources and attractions (with a small brochure in English). Furthermore, visitors get instructions on the parks camping rules, they can pay the park entry fees, and are introduced to the road connections inside the park. Park rangers are permanently at the main entry building. Some kilometers before the main gate of Mwakapembe there is the Kitulo NP headquarters right after the town of Matamba. The new and functional headquarter building recently opened its doors. Besides many offices the headquarters are also equipped with a large meeting room offering an adequate technological infrastructure. The main entry gate can be reached via Matamba, one of the bigger towns on the Kitulo plateau, offering several low quality and low budget accommodation facilities, some bars, and shops. The town of Matamba can be reached via two different roads from the highway. The shorter connection is via a, road that winds up, beginning 2km west of Chimala. The rough and rocky road has a distance of around 9km, showing some obstacles with more than 50 hairpin turns, offering wide vistas over the Usangu plains below. Once arrived at top of the plateau another road, in better condition, continues on 12km to Matamba, offering wide views over the plateau and the mountains of the park. The scenic route goes along the Chimala river and passes agricultural fields and small houses. The other road leading to Matamba starts from Kimani, which is located along the highway. The road up to Matamba is not as steep, not as rocky, but takes around 1 hour longer. Access by plane Within the boundaries of Kitulo NP there are no airstrips, niether for tourists, park rangers or military as in Ruaha park. The closest airports to Kitulo NP are at Mbeya and at Njombe. The international airport in Mbeya is around 3 hours away by car; the national airport in Njombe is more than 3 hours away by car.
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Fig#08: Map of Kitulo NP with present entry gates, airports, and present accommodation facilities
Source: Elaboration by Target Euro, data by google maps
Future access points Kitulo NP plans on opening one additional entry gate for cars in the vicinity of Isyonje at the village of Kikondo. Isyonje is accessible via Mbeya and will be a potential access point for visitors coming from Malawi, Zambia, or even from South Africa. Particularly visitors arriving at Mbeya airport will be interested in entering Kitulo NP from the Isyonje entry gate. Presently there are no tourism accommodation facilities or other relevant tourism service structures at Isyonje. Another side entry gate will be operative at Ipelele in the southeastern part of Kitulo NP that is directed at Njombe. A non-paved 155km dirt road leads from Njombe to the gate, which then leads to DAFCO Kitulo dairy farm. Access by public transport Public busses (run by private transportation companies) leave from Chimala to Matamba twice a day. Also from Mfumbi village pick-ups go to Matamba once or twice a day. The public busses do not reach the headquarters nor the entry gate of Kitulo NP.
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Fig#09: Map of Kitulo NP with present and future entry gates and presently surrounding accommodation facilities
Source: Elaboration by Target Euro, data by google maps
Challenges of accessibility to Ruaha and Kitulo NP One of the main challenges of Ruaha NP is that there is only one entry gate, which visitors can pass by car. The issue about this entry gate is that the road from Iringa (around 130km) is relatively rough, not paved, and many people are walking along the road. This results in risk and danger of accidents with people. Additionally, speeding by official cars from TANAPA, park rangers, and other public bodies are also a risk for accidents with other traffic participants. Especially during rainy season, the only road leading to Ruaha NP is not in a good condition. The roads inside Ruaha NP are also rough and rocky but are generally intact speeding by Tanapa officials and park rangers remains a problem. Kitulo NP also suffers from bad road conditions particularly in respect of the steep and rough road coming up from Chimala. After heavy rain falls, the sharp winding turns along the road become impassable due to mudslides, large rocks, and masses of rainwater. The road starting from Kimani and leading up to Matamba is in better condition because it is less steep and not as rocky. Since Kitulo NP is only accessible via car, a good road network is extremely important. The roads inside Kitulo NP also have a rough, muddy, and rocky surface, cars can only go very slowly. After heavy rainfall, some roads can no longer be used.
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2.4
Information
The information system organized by local stakeholders has a strategic importance for the development of a tourism destination. In particular, it has a double aim: on one hand, it allows tourists to know about a tourism destination; while, on the other hand, it provides information to all local stakeholders, informing them on what is going on in the destination and helping them to make decisions. Considering these two main aims of the information system and the different stakeholders involved in the tourism supply, the information can be classified as follows:
Promotion: refers to the communications directed at tourists about the attractions and services organized by the local stakeholders of a tourism destination. Based on an interview with TANAPA, the annual budget of this institution for tourism marketing is around 1 billion TZS, organized as follow: i) Promotion through international exhibitions (TZS 813,000,000/=); ii) Promotion through local exhibitions (TZS 466,393,396/=); iii) e-Marketing (TZS 1,788,374,176/=). In addition, the recent International Tourism Marketing Strategy developed by the TTC in collaboration with the TCT, and approved in 2013, has the aim of promoting the Country on an international level, reinforcing the current markets and developing new-ones. In addition, the strategy has the aim of promoting all tourism attractions in the Country, including the Southern Circuit. However, Target Euro has noticed that, in different cases, the communication is not always coordinated, and it is mainly focused on the most important tourism destinations (Serengeti, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar), as showed in the two logos below.
On the left, the logo has been downloaded from a webpage of a private tourism enterprise; while on the right, is a copy of the logo used by the TTB.
Interpretation of the tourism assets: this kind of communication allows tourists to know about the characteristics of the tourism attractions. This kind of information is generally important in terms of promotion and development of the tourism products. Mainly Tour Operators and tour guides use them to inform tourists about the tourism assets of the tourism destination. All national Parks, game reserves and other protected areas are in general well documented (fauna and flora), as well as the other tourism attractions around the parks. However, there are no information center or interpretation centers in the Southern Circuit. In particular, there are not interpretation and information centers inside or outside Ruaha and Kitulo Parks. Tour operators and hotels mainly provide the information. Finally, Tanapa provides a map / brochure (six pages) to tourists entering the parks or Ruaha and Kitulo.
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2.5
Institutional information: TANAPA and Tanzania Tourism Board have developed official websites and social network pages (Facebook, Twitter) with the purpose of informing local and international tourism stakeholders and tourists. Both websites provide information about the tourism attractions, accommodation and other tourism services. In addition, the TTB website provides information about international tourism fairs, while the TANAPA website provides information about the regulations and park fees, opportunities for investors and other useful documents. Despite the efforts provided by TANAPA and TTB to inform the stakeholders about what is going on in the tourism sector in Tanzania, various private stakeholders interviewed by Target Euro declared the need to improve communication between the public and private stakeholders.
Tourism products
Many definitions of ‘tourism product’ exist, however, for the purpose of the present analysis we consider “a tourism product as a combination of tourism assets and services, which generates tourism flow to the destination”. Based on this assumption, there are different tourism products that are actually organized and provided to tourists visiting the Southern Circuit. They are as follows: -
Wildlife and nature safaris: this is the most important tourism product not only in the Southern Circuit, but also for the entire Country. Referring to the Southern Circuit, tourists have a wide selection, including walking (where it is possible), jeep and balloon safaris. These are organized both during the day and at night and this product is mainly developed at Ruaha and Mikumi NP and Selous Game Reserve.
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Hiking and Trekking: this product is mainly organized in Kitulo and Udzungwa NPs, where tourists can see many varieties of flowers, plants and birds. Although few facilities have been developed by local stakeholders, such as paths and very few signals. The interpretation system (information center, panels and signals, etc.) also needs to be improved and better developed.
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Bird watching: all National Parks and protected areas are rich in birdlife. However, the requested equipment (e.g. birdwatching station, etc.) for the present tourism product are very limited or inexistent in both Kitulo and Ruaha NPs and in the Southern Circuit in general. More than an independent tourism product, it is currently promoted as part of other tourism products (hiking, trekking and safaris).
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Sun&Beach: considering the Southern Circuit, this is the tourism product organized and supplied in Mafia Island and the coastal areas in the south of Dar Es Salaam. In this case, tourists have the opportunity to relax on the beach, organize daily excursions and take diving courses.
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Finally, with the purpose of diversifying the present tourism supply, Tour Operators are actually promoting a combination of these tourism products. This especially refers to tourists in Mafia Island (and Zanzibar), who have the opportunity to fly to Selous and Iringa for wildlife and nature safaris. In addition to these present tourism products, the GMP of Ruaha and Kitulo National Parks have identified the following potential tourism products to be developed:
2.6
Ruaha NP - Canoeing in Usangu - Air boating in Usangu - Scientific / research tourism - Ballooning
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Kitulo NP Ballooning Sport fishing
The present “International Marketing Strategy”
In 2012 the Tanzania Tourism Board and the Tourism Confederation of Tourism designed an International Marketing Strategy (ITS) addressed to the international markets (and not domestic tourism), focused on a period of five years. The analysis of the present ITS is important for the purpose of our analysis because the tourism development and marketing strategy for the Southern Circuit should have surely been conceived and designed in line with the International Tourism Strategy elaborated by the TTB and TCT. The ITS was developed in close cooperation with representatives of the public and private sector, and its main goals and activities can be summarized as follows:
Goal 1 - Sense of urgency Increase Tanzania’s score for the 5th pillar – the Prioritization of Travel and Tourism - in the World Economic Forum Competitiveness study from the 90th position to at least the 75th position.
Goal 2 – Competitors 2.1 Increase Tanzania’s market share of the total number of tourism arrivals in South Africa, Kenya, Botswana and Tanzania from the primary source markets (United Kingdom, USA, Italy and Germany) from the current 11% to at least 14% in 5 years. 2.2 Increase Zanzibar’s market share of the total number of tourism arrivals in The Seychelles, Mauritius and Zanzibar from the four primary markets
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(United Kingdom, Italy, Germany and USA) from the current 26% to at least 30% in 5 years.
Goal 3 - Proposition 3.1 Conduct baseline market research for the awareness of Tanzania as a tourist destination in (at least) the primary markets (UK, USA, Germany and Italy) in order to make this goal measurable. Conduct follow-up market research in order to measure the awareness of Tanzania as one country, two destinations. 3.2 Increase the awareness of Tanzania as one country with two complementary destinations in the primary and secondary source markets.
Goal 4 - Positioning Implement a distinctive and competitive positioning for Tanzania and use this positioning, consistently and consequently in all communications.
Goal 5 - Focus Focus the marketing efforts and financial resources on 4 primary (UK, USA, Germany and Italy) and 5 secondary existing mature source markets (France, Netherlands, Canada, Australia and Spain) and 2 new growth source markets (South Africa and India). In addition, monitor and research 5 potential tertiary markets (China, Russia, Turkey, Brazil and the Gulf countries mentioned). 90% of the marketing budget should be used for marketing Tanzania in these markets (11 countries). A possible indication as to how these finances should be divided across the source countries are: for 4 primary (50%), for 5 secondary (30%) and for 2 tertiary (10%). A part of the remaining budget should be used for monitoring and researching the potential of 5 tertiary countries.
Goal 6 - Product-market combinations (PMC’s) Focus the marketing efforts and budget on 12 product-market combinations: 4 in the growth strategy market penetration, 4 in product development and 4 in market development. These twelve tourism product combinations are as follows: a. Wildlife safaris to the Northern Circuit (Primary and Secondary Countries: UK, USA, Germany, Italy, France, Netherlands, Canada, Spain, Australia) b. Zanzibar - sun, sea and sand (Primary and Secondary Countries) c. Combination of wildlife safaris and sun, sea and sand (Zanzibar, Mafia, & mainland coast). Primary and Secondary Countries d. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro (in combination with “a” and/or “b”) e. Wildlife and nature safaris to the Southern Circuit (Selous, Mikumi, Udzungwa, Ruaha, Kitulo, etc.) f. Combination of wildlife and nature safaris to the Southern Circuit and sun, sea and sand (Zanzibar, Mafia and mainland coast) g. Wildlife in the Western Circuit and fresh water tourism on Lake Tanganyika h. Incentive travel for small groups to Zanzibar
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i. Wildlife safaris to the Northern Circuit (tertiary countries: South Africa and India) j. Zanzibar - sun, sea and sand (tertiary countries) k. Combination of wildlife safaris and sun, sea and sand (Zanzibar, Mafia, coast). (tertiary countries) l. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro (in combination with “i” and/or “j”) In addition, the ITS is focused on the following tourism segments / target groups: Adventure seekers Nature lovers 4S (sun, sea & sand seekers) Exotic bonders Conscientious travelers
Goal 7 - Product pyramid 7.1 Strengthen the tourism infrastructure, specifically the airports, airstrips, and the level of service in Tanzania. 7.2 Take relevant measures in order to protect vulnerable must see/must do locations at the top of the product pyramid, such as Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crater and The Serengeti/the migration. 7.3 Develop the tourism product primarily in the Southern Circuit, secondarily along the mainland coast, and in the Western area. Although the development of the Western area will probably be minimal in the coming five years, it is important to start planning the development of the area.
Goal 8 – Visitor management 8.1 Take ‘micro’ visitor management measures to protect physically, culturally and ecologically vulnerable must see/do locations. 8.2 Take ‘macro’ visitor management measures such as geographically spreading tourism by drawing up a plan for tourism to the Southern circuit and secondarily for the Western circuit.
Goal 9 – Zoning Develop a strategy with concrete actions for each location based on their position on the matrix high/low value and high/low impact. Focus on the locations in the high value quadrants.
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Fig#10 - High/low value & impact matrix
Source: International Tourism Strategy
As shown in the matrix, Selous and Ruaha are considered as high value destination with a low impact to be developed. While Kitulo is in the category “not a current priority”.
Goal 10 - Partnerships Create strong tourism partnerships between public organizations involved in the promotion of Tanzania as a tourism destination. 10.1 Further develop the partnership(s) between the organizations active in the marketing of tourism to Tanzania, namely Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB), TANAPA and NCAA, but also Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania Wildlife Protection Fund (TWPF) and the Marine Parks & Reserves Unit (MPRU). 10.2 Develop partnership between TTB and Zanzibar Commission of Tourism (ZCT) in order to market mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, as 1 country with 2 complementary destinations.
Goal 11 - Public Private Partnership (PPP) Create strong tourism partnerships between the promotional organizations, the tourism sector and the tourism suppliers. 11.1 Further develop the partnership between the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) and Tourism Confederation of Tanzania (TCT). 11.2 Allow representation of the private and public sectors in each other’s Boards of organizations relevant for tourism.
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Goal 12 – Word of mouth 12.1 Stimulate positive word of mouth promotion by delivering high quality experiences and exceeding the expectations of tourists and evaluate this aspect in the exit surveys. 12.2 Develop a state of the art website for tourism in Tanzania, incorporating user-generated content. 12.3 Build long-term relationships with tourists primarily with social media and fora. 12.4 Increase the number of articles on tourism in Tanzania in international publications and other media (radio, TV, blogs etc.).
Goal 13 Increase the average spending per visitor by at least 10% over a period of 5 years (excluding inflation) and increase the average length of stay in Tanzania to 14 nights.
Goal 14 Evaluate the results of the international marketing strategy annually.
Goal 15 Perform a baseline measurement of the average spending of tourists to Tanzania from the primary source markets.
Referring to the marketing instruments to be used for promoting Tanzania around the world, as stated in the ITS, due to the limited budget the strategy is focused on a limited number of effective and essential marketing instruments, namely: e-tourism and e-marketing printed matter free publicity travel trade international travel trade shows/exhibitions international road shows international representation In addition, considering tourism product development, the ITS states as follows: 1.
Product development a. Develop wildlife and nature safaris to the Southern Circuit as a standalone product or in combination with sun, sea and sand on Zanzibar or Mafia or along the mainland coast, specifically focusing on accessibility, accommodation and new game viewing products. b. Develop wildlife safaris in the Western Circuit and fresh water tourism on Lake Tanganyika, specifically focusing on accessibility, accommodation and water activities. (Please note, that the Western Circuit is not a priority for this first 5 implementation years of the ITS). c. Develop incentive travel for relatively small groups to Zanzibar.
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2.
Improve tourism infrastructures d. Increase the number of international airline connections. e. Improve the international airport facilities and the airstrips usable all year round. f. Improve the quality of service.
3.
Visitor management g. Define main causes for negative environmental effects on Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti/ migration and develop and take micro visitor management measures to solve these issues. h. Develop and take macro visitor management measures to spread tourism geographically from the Northern Circuit to the Southern Circuit and, in due course, to the Western Circuit.
Finally, referring to the budget on marketing, the ITS states that tourism is economically important for Tanzania (mainland plus Zanzibar), however it has the lowest budget for marketing (US$ 2.8 million) compared to Kenya (US$ 8 million), South Africa (US$ 69.4 million) and Mauritius (US$ 7 million). Tanzania (mainland plus Zanzibar) also has the lowest marketing budget when related to the direct contribution of tourism to the GDP (0.24%). This leads to the conclusion that the tourism marketing budget needs to be substantially increased in line with the economic importance of (international) tourism for Tanzania. The ITS proposes a budget of around US$ 4,2 million for the first year of implementation and US$ 3,5 million for the second year, to be substantially increased for the next years in line with the economic importance of (international) tourism for Tanzania and in line with its main competitors.
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3.
Legal framework & main stakeholders
With this chapter we analyze the guidelines of the present legislative framework of the tourism sector with special regard to Ruaha and Kitulo NPs. This concerns the legal situation of different tourism key stakeholders in the public and private sector. The aspects of Park Management and Control, the relation of parks with local communities and the topic of legal land use rights, as well as private sector involvement and legal procedures for tourism investment are the core of the analysis. Methodology Most of the information that is used for the present analysis was taken from the consultant´s field visits to the project areas. At Ruaha and Kitulo NPs the consultant conducted several personal interviews with TANAPA staff and talked about legal services with Mr. Richard Nsimba, Chief Legal Counsel, with Dr. Ezekiel Dembe, the Directorate of planning and Development, and other tourism key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, tour operators, hotel and accommodation facilities as well as with some local communities situated around the national parks. Official documents of TANAPA and the Ministry used for the present analysis: National Parks National Parks Policy of 1994 National Parks Act of 1959 Tourism Tourism Policy of 1999 Tanzania Tourism Act of 2008 Tourism Master Plan 2001 International Marketing Strategy for Tanzania as a Tourism Destination Tourism Task Force Report for the 8th TNBC meeting (Tanzania National Business Council) Guidelines for Cultural Tourism in Tanzania Cultural Heritage Policy, Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism Wildlife Wildlife Policy, Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism of 2007 Wildlife Conservation Act of 1974 Wildlife Conservation Act, Regulations of 2008 Others TANAPA Corporate Strategic Plan of 2013/2014 - 2017/2018 Principles and guidelines for the conservation and management of cultural resources in Tanzania. Village Land Act of 1999
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3.1
Legislation framework
The analysis includes both the legislation of the National Parks (National Parks Policy and Act) and other National Tourism Legislation Policies and Acts for the private sectors. The analysis focuses on the following topics: Interpretation of key terms Legal mandate of Tanzania national parks (TANAPA) and the organizational structure of both TANAPA and the Park´s structure Land use rights National Parks legal control Private sector involvement and legal procedures for tourism investment (TALA/TTLB) 3.1.1 Interpretation of some key terms “Buffer Zone” - an area surrounding a dedicated conservation area or national park, the minister may by notice declare this area totally to a conservation area. “Protected Area” - an area of land or sea specifically protected for maintenance of biological and natural diversity, or associated cultural resources. "National park" - any area of land constituted, or included within, a national park by proclamation under section 3 or 4 or declared to be a national park under section 5. "Tourism operator" - a tourist agent, photographic safaris operator, or any person who for reward conducts an activity, operates a facility, or undertakes the provision of services for tourists and other members of the public in relation to tours and travel within or outside the country. "Tourism facility" - a place, thing or premises managed by a tourism operator, which regularly or occasionally provides services/products for utilization by visitors while they are at the destination "Village transfer land'' means village land which is to be transferred to become part of general or reserved land.
3.1.2 Legal mandate of Tanzania national parks (TANAPA) The organization’s mandate is to manage and regulate the use of areas designated as National Parks, to preserve the country’s heritage, encompassing natural and cultural resources, both tangible and intangible resources, including flora and fauna, wildlife habitat, and the natural landscapes. Additionally, the mandate is to provide these resources for the human benefit and enjoyment in a way that is not impacting ecologically or socially and remains intact for future generations.
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Tanapa organisational structure
National Park structure
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Establishment of A Board of Trustees (Act No. 14 of 1975 s. 3; G.N. No. 478 of 1962) There shall be established for the purposes of this Act a Board of Trustees which shall: be a body corporate by the name of "the Trustees of the Tanzania National Parks", with perpetual succession and a common seal; in their corporate name be capable of suing and being sued; be capable of holding, purchasing or otherwise acquiring and of alienating any movable property, and, with the consent of the Minister, any immovable property, for the purposes of any of the duties or functions conferred on the Trustees by this Act.
3.1.3 Control of national parks Through legal guidance the park management has been applied to ensure that there is balance between high satisfaction of visitor needs and sustainable conservation of tourism resources/products inside and adjacent to the park. In particular, with a GMP/EIA certain standards, limits, and developments are planned and managed. Management zoning: as explained by the National Parks Policy of 1994 the GMP/EIA prescribes a system of management zoning. The delineation of management zones is based on an evaluation of the park’s purpose and significance, its exceptional resource values, appropriate park uses, and management objectives. The zoning considers the capability of lands to support appropriate uses and will be used as framework for specific planning and management decisions on use and development of the park. Each zone description must contain specific details of what “can” and “cannot” occur in each zone (The National Parks Policy of 1994). The zoning of NPs aims at providing a framework for achieving and reconciling the twin management needs of protecting the natural qualities and environment of the park and regulating and promoting visitor use. High use zone: these parts of the park have high human activities and impacts due to roads and accommodation facilities, picnic sites, and points of interest. Low use zone: these parts of the park have low human activities, low frequency of tourists and hence low contact between animals, nature, and visitors. Roads and accommodation facilities are scarce in the low use zone. Wilderness zone: the wilderness zone is subject to minimal disturbance. Visitor access is restricted to walking safaris, game viewing by vehicle is prohibited. Only a few roads should be accessible for TANAPA officials and for walking safari operations. Buffer Zone: a protected area along the border of a national park; the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority Act of 2013 provides the guidelines on restriction of human activities in the wildlife protected area borderline, stating that:
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A human activity, settlement or any other development that will adversely affect wildlife shall not be carried out within five hundred meters from the wildlife protected area borderline without the written permission of the Director General. Any person who contravenes the provision of subsection (above) commits an offence and upon conviction shall be liable to a fine of not less than five hundred thousand shillings or imprisonment to a term of not less than two years or to both such fine and imprisonment.
Park Consumptive Uses: In reference to the Wildlife Act No. 27 of 1974, National Parks Act of 1959 and the Wildlife Policy of 1994 it is prohibited to graze, capture, hunt or kill any animal within a national park without a permit. Domestic animals are exempt. The penalty for violation depends on the kind of animal involved. Also no human settlement is allowed inside national parks with exception of authorized personnel (TANAPA employees, researchers and advisors, hotel or permanent tent camp employees). Entering a national park: no person shall enter or be in a park without a permit. The warden may order any person to leave the park, if in his opinion, the presence of such a person in the park is or would be detrimental to the proper management and control of the park or if the person has committed an offence against the act or regulations. Moreover, no permit shall be issued in suspect of any motor vehicle carrying goods or designed primarily for the carriage of goods, unless they are designated for accommodation facilities inside the park. Permit to camp in the park: All visitors are allowed to camp inside the park with the permission of the director. The permit expiry depends on the number of days/nights that were paid by the guest. Land Use, Village land transfer and Compensation for extinguishment of rights; Land law is essentially defined and regulated by the Land Ordinance of 1923 (Revised Laws of Tanzania), but since then, the entire body of land in Tanzania has been declared public lands. Tanzania’s Land Act classifies land as: (1) reserved land; (2) village land; and (3) general land. Reserved land includes statutorily protected or designated land such as national parks, land for public utilities, wildlife reserves and land classified as hazardous. The President has radical title to all land in Tanzania and under the ordinance must ensure that the land is held and administered for the use and common benefit of all Tanzanians. In this case the President may direct the minister to transfer any area of village land to general or reserved land or to include it within a National Park for public interest by compensation and resettlement. The new land laws in Tanzania will place considerable importance on liaising/ getting agreement with local communities regarding land use for tourism purposes. However, due to consultation with local communities, there appears to be lack of understanding regarding the interpretation and implementation of these laws. Of particular relevance are the Wildlife Act of 1974, Village Land Act of 1999, review of 1982 and National Park Act of 1959.
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These Acts were designed to ensure that villages benefit from wildlife utilisations and encourage local communities to support tourism/ recreational activities outside national park boundaries.
3.1.4
Private sector involvement
TALA (Tourist Agents Licensing Authority) Currently TALA has replaced TTLB (Tanzania Tourism Licensing Board) which regulates any kind of business activity in the tourism sector regarding owning, conducting or operating tourism facilities. Tour Operator Legal guideline: all those engaged in the tourism industry shall abide to all laws and regulations set by the government to operate their business. Each tour operator must follow the procedure of registration and must own a TALA license by adhering the following procedures and conditions: For a citizen of the United Republic, he/she must submit the following: A Certificate of Registration and Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company registered in Tanzania. He must have suitable office premises for carrying out the business of a tour operator. He must have a fleet of five vehicles or not less than three vehicles. The vehicle must not be more than five years old since first registration. The vehicles must be registered under the Company’s business name. All tour vehicles must be comprehensively insured. All tour vehicles shall vividly display in writing the name of the Tour Operator on each side of the vehicle. Stickers shall not be allowed. All tour vehicles shall vividly display the Tourist Agents License on the vehicle subject for inspection License fees shall be paid on an annual basis of US$ 2000 or its equivalent amount in Tanzanian shillings. The license needs to be renewed every year from January onwards, nevermind if the operation starts later in the year the full amount has to be paid. Non-Citizens should meet all Citizens requirements and in addition must satisfy the following conditions before they are issued with the official Tour Operator License: Have a fleet of new vehicles (not less than ten vehicles) of the type approved for tour business by the Licensing Authority. The vehicles must be registered under the name of the company/business name License fees US$ 5000 or its equivalent amount in Tanzanian shillings to be paid on an annual basis. Generally, many tour operators fail to qualify in obtaining the TALA license because of the extremely high investment requested and as a consequence run their business illegally.
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Tourism facilities: in consideration of the Tourism Act of 2008 and the Environmental Management Act of 2004 which clarify that any person who is conducting, operating or intends to conduct or operate a tourism facility (accommodation) or activity should apply for the certificate of registration from the Director. The EIA should be done before the site development and the operator should hold a relevant license for that purpose issued by the Board whether inside or outside the park. Accommodation facilities inside the park can be hotels, wildlife lodges, permanent tented camps, seasonal tented camps, wilderness campsites, special or public campsites. All investors should qualify for legal requirements (conditions and procedures) - the requirements are equal to all investors with regard to high capital investors and small entrepreneurs as it is clarified on TANAPADALP. Tour Guide: tour guides shall be required to undergo medical examination annually. They must be Tanzanian nationals, must be holders of a certificate recognized by the Tourist Agents Licensing Authority and must bring adequate experience. Applicants who are non-citizen but who are professional with not less than ten years experience may forward their applications through their employee’s companies. Such applications may be considered. All tour guides working in the national parks will be licensed by TANAPA, fees for tour guide licensing will be paid to TANAPA by tour operators and hoteliers as it is clarified in the National Parks Policy of 1994. Travel Agent: in reference to the and the Tourism Act of 2008 andTourist Agents Act (Licensing Regulations) of 1969;Tourist Agents will be granted a Tourist Agents License after complying with the following procedures and conditions: Travel Agent License will be issued to business firms, which are fully owned by Tanzanian and the applicant must have not less than two employees who are Tanzanians and who have recognized certificates in tourism i.e. must have IATA recognized Certificate/Diploma.
3.2
General Management Plans of Ruaha and Kitulo NPs
Ruaha National Park GMP 2009-2019 The second GMP of Ruaha NP presents a short term (3 years action plan) and long term (10 years plan) development plan for the park area. It is aimed at guiding and facilitating the management of the park resources, the uses permitted within the area, and the infrastructure development needed to support management and usage. Four management strategies within the associated departments are the focus of the GMP. While the Ecosystem Management Program is dedicated to the Ecology and Protection Department, the Tourism Management Program is directed at the Tourism Department, the Community Outreach Program is aimed at the Outreach Department, and the Park Operations Program shall be implemented by the Protection, Administration and Stores/Works Departments.
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Regarding the Tourism Management Program the GMP presents six main objectives. These include the enhancement of visitor access, use and satisfaction improvement of visitor facilities with low environmental impact preparation of interpretive centres and tourism information material strengthened tourism management development of historical and cultural tourism international promotion of the park According to the 3 year action plan, especially regarding the tourism management program, many actions have been finished up to date but unfortunately the consultant did not receive any more information/documentation upon request about the completed actions.
Kitulo National Park GMP 2008-2017 The first GMP for Kitulo NP comprises a strategic development plan for a long term period of 10 years and a short term 3 year action plan for each of the four management programs. These programs cover the sections of ecosystem management, tourism management, community outreach, and park operations. After a detailed presentation of the park values and resources the ecosystem management programs points out conservation targets and mitigation measures for environmental impacts around the Kitulo plateau. The part about tourism management, which is most interesting for the present assignment, lists four main objectives: branding of the attractions; development of infrastructure, quality facilities and services; promotion of tourism potential; strengthening of tourism management and collaboration with private tourism businesses. The GMP also comprises a chapter about the mitigation of environmental impacts of major tourism program actions and hence is oriented towards a sustainable tourism system. According to the 3 year action plan, especially regarding the tourism management program, only very few actions have been finished up to date.
3.3
Main stakeholders
In order to meet their goals, comply with their vision, mission and achieve the strategic objectives, TANAPA enhanced collaboration and partnership with different stakeholders, as shown below: Tab#14 – Main tourism stakeholders Stakeholder Stakeholder Group Expectations 1. Ministry of Conservation Natural Resources policies and tourism and its appropriately institutions: Wildlife implemented
TANAPA Expectations Up to date conservation Acts and policies
How to Engage Collaborate and cooperate in formulating policies
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Division, TTB, Tourism Division
Enhanced collaboration
Enhanced collaboration
2. Board of Trustees
TANAPA capacity improved and continue to prosper in carrying out its mandate National Parks provide students for the training institutions. Parks continue as research grounds and provide field attachment experience Participation in conservation and development efforts
Board decisions are in line with the CSP
3. Training institutions
4. Conservation NGOs: WWF,FZS, WCS, WCST, OIKOS, IUCN, CITES, LCA, PAMS Foundation
5. Development partners: GIZ, USAID, NORAD, UNDP, UNESCO, JICA, EU, KFW 6. Local communities adjacent to national parks
Consultative forum to discuss issues of mutual interest Consultative forum for sharing information and leveraging marketing effort Board decisions are in line with government policies, directives and the approved CSP
The organization gets qualified and competent employees and consultation services
Consultations and feedback mechanisms
Support and complement institution conservation efforts
Terms and conditions for collaboration
Support provided for conservation produce expected results
Support and complement conservation efforts
Terms and condition for collaboration
Realize benefits from conservation
Communities continue to use indigenous knowledge and other conservational means to support conservation efforts
Reciprocal action programs
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7. Institutional staff
Improved working and living conditions
8. Treasury
Institution is financially self sufficient and contributes in the conservation and development efforts
9. Investors, tour operators, tourism associations, business community
Good infrastructure, safety and amicable relations
10. Law enforcement institutions
Manage the national parks in accordance to the Ordinance Cap 412 of 1959 and its amendments Institution provides employment, generates revenue and conserves biodiversity Institution provides employment, generates revenue and supports communities Institution continues to use financial services Enhance collaboration
11. Local and central governments
12. Political leaders
13. Financial institutions 14. Media
Institutional staff enable the organization to achieve vision and mission All revenue accrued from tourism and other sources ploughed back to support conservation and development of the national parks Promote parks, viable investments, quality services and conform to park rules and regulations Law enforcement Institutions to speed up wildlife related court cases
Enforcement of contractual obligations and performance agreements
Ensured provision of budgets for conservation activities
Integration of corporate social responsibility and outreach programs into district development plans
Ensured conducive environment in terms of policy and political will
Consultative for information sharing
Excellent financial services and consultation Improved public awareness on biodiversity, conservation and tourism
Contractual arrangement
Retention scheme and mandatory contributions
Consultative feedback forum and continuous sharing of information
Consultative feedback and effective protection of wildlife resources
Contractual arrangement
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15. Other government institutions (e.g. PPRA, CRB, ERB, NCC, TCAA, NBAA, SUMATRA, TANROADS, BRELA and CAG)
Enhance collaboration and provision of services
Improved procurement, construction, transport and financial management
Compliancy and consultative feedback
Source: TANAPA Corporate Strategic Plan, 2013/2018
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4.
Analysis of the competitiveness
Tourism in Tanzania in characterized by two main attractions: nature and the sea. However, both attractions are common to many countries of East and Southern Africa. In today's tourism, market competitiveness is based on the product and the destination becomes a benefit. The tourist travels based on a scale of increasingly specific reasons. Moreover, motivation intersects with the travel style, creating a complex articulation of tourist demands. For example, those interested in nature and wildlife can stay in a charming and elegant lodge or camping in the bush. It is not a problem of economic capacity or age but it is a matter of lifestyle. This extreme market segmentation makes a detailed analysis even more difficult, but at the same time presents many new opportunities to the product suppliers. The territory is the scenario were tourism product is supplied, the State should ensure the conservation of resources, the creation and management of infrastructure, the presence of basic services, the facilitation for business development and the professional growth of citizens. On the fabric of resources created, the company can realize the services that meet the different reasons for traveling and the various expectations of the tourist. The analysis of the competition took place in three phases: identification of competitor countries, qualitative comparison and comparison on prices and the dynamics of flows by origin. To identify the main competitor countries we have used: - Direct investigation of tour operators to create a link product - competitors; - Survey on catalogues of foreigner Tour Operators specialized in the region and in the product "adventure".
4.1
The competitors in the perception of the tour operators
Kenya, South Africa, Botswana are in order the main competitors of the area identified by the intermediaries of Tanzania. These areas, according to the operators, provide a product with an articulation similar to Tanzania, in particular, wildlife, game, culture, even though with different importance.
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2
3 1 2 2
2 2 2 2
1
3 2
1 1
1 1
Others
1
Events & Festivals
9
Gastronomic
6
SPA & Relax
Fishing
Eco-tourism 7 2 3
Diving
7 1 1 1
Sun & Beach and other related
9 4 7
Community based tourism
Kenya South Africa Botswana Rwanda Seychelles Maldives Mauritius Mozambique Zambia Zimbawe Uganda
Cultural tourism
Safari
Tab#15 - Products and competitors in the perception of local TO and TA
1
2
1 3
1
3 1 1
1
Source: direct survey on local Tour Operators
Kenya has received 47 reports on 12 products as a nation competitor. Most relate to the product Safari (19%), but do not ignore the importance of Cultural Tourism, Eco Tourism, Community based tourism and Sun and Beach. Kenya can be denoted as "The Main Competitor". South Africa, according to the number of mentions (11 reports on 6 products), is less connected with wildlife, but it offers a full range of products. Botswana, third in the standings, is a competitor mainly in the product "Safari". Mozambique, Seychelles and Mauritius. In addition to the competitors in the area, the local operators are affected by competition on a much larger scale. This factor indicates the global importance and visibility of the product: Tanzania. Products related to the sea are the most subject to worldwide competition with countries such as Australia, Hawaii for the product of Surf & Windsurf, or Australia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Egypt as competitors for Diving. Analysing the competition in terms of individual products, three quarters of the companies who answered our questionnaire consider Kenya to be their main rival destination; more than half considered Botswana and a fourth of those interviewed highlighted South Africa to be a rival destinations. Cultural Tourism competition is more restricted. 58% still report Kenya as the main Country, followed by three more destinations (Botswana, South Africa, Rwanda and Uganda) but with a value of less than 10% of the reports. 17% of those who suffer from competition indicate non-African countries.
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For Eco Tourism the intermediaries of Tanzania still face competition mainly from Kenya, followed by Botswana (25%) and South Africa. For the relaxing on the beach type of holiday Kenya is indicated as a competition in 42% of reports. 25% refer to Seychelles. Mauritius and Mozambique are referred to by17%. Still with regard to the sea, in the diving product four destinations (Seychelles, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique) are marked by the same number of players (17%), Kenya follows with 8%. Kenya (50%) and Rwanda compete for Community Based Tourism. Fig#11 - Weight of competitors in the perception of local TO and TA Safari
Cultural Tourism
Kenya, 75% Botswana, 58%
Kenya, 58%
Non-African Countries, 17%
South Africa, 33% Zambia, 25%
Uganda, 8% Rwanda, 8%
Uganda, 8%
Eco Tourism
South Africa, 8%
Botswana, 8%
Community Based Tourism
Kenya, 58% Kenya, 50%
South Africa, 17%
Botswana, 25%
Rwanda, 17%
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Sun & Beach
Diving
Kenya, 42%
Maldives, 8%
Mauri us, 17%
Seychelles, 25%
Mozambiqu e, 17%
Kenya, 8% Mozambiqu Mauri us, Maldives, Seychelles, 17% 17% e, 17% 17%
Source: Direct survey on local Tour Operators
4.2
The competitors in the catalogues of international tour operators
The study of the destination Tanzania in the catalogues of International Tour Operators has referred both to the classic intermediaries, selling via the classic tour operators and directly via web, and those who operate exclusively through the Internet. Traditional intermediaries were analysed with reference to all-inclusive packages, in particular itineraries in eastern and southern Africa. In the TO on line we analysed the cost of accommodation with reference to the peak period for arrival in Tanzania (August), and the guest review for quality measurement. We also carried out a study on the cost of air transport, still in the period of maximum inflow. For the study of the traditional TO, "The Travel Corporation" was used as the reference for the group. This is an international tourism company operating with 23 brands, showcasing the five continents. "The Travel Corporation" includes the brands African Travel Inc and Adventure World who specialize in Eastern and Southern Africa and in adventure travel. The African products are also distributed by other brands. For the study of online distribution the operator Trivago was investigated, this is a website, which collects the offer of various OTA, they show both the price and the opinion of customers for each accommodation facility. For the cost of transportation the web site Google Flights has been used, a collective website without commercial purposes. 4.2.1 Study of the catalogues Visibility Tanzania has a relevant presence in the studied catalogues of the international Tour Operators. It is included in 15% of the package tour following South Africa (22%) but preceding Kenya positioned at the third place with 9% of the packages. 84% of
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the package tours that include Tanzania see it as the only destination. This allows people to perceive the name "Tanzania" more and more as a "brand". Among those including, the number of package tours that touch only Kenya is 50%. Those including only South Africa are 31% of the packages including the Country. Tab#16 - Visibility in the catalogues of tour operators Country Presence in the packages (%) Presence as Only country (%) South Africa 21.6 31.6 Tanzania 14.8 84.6 Kenya 9.1 50.0 Botswana 8.0 Namibia 6.8 66.7 Zambia 5.7 40.0 Ethiopia 4.5 100.0 Zimbawe 4.5 Mozambique 3.4 Rwanda 3.4 66.7 Swaziland 3.4 Uganda 2.3 50.0 Zimbabwe 2.3 Angola 1.1 Benim 1.1 Gambia 1.1 Ghana 1.1 Lesotho 1.1 Madagascar 1.1 100.0 Malawi 1.1 100.0 Senegal 1.1 Togo 1.1 Total
100.0
40.9
Source: direct survey on catalogues
Duration The package tours studied provide for an average stay of 9.4 days in Tanzania, longer than in the main competitor countries (South Africa 7.0; Kenya 6.7; Uganda 6.5; Botswana 4.9; Zambia 4.8). Tab#17 - Average stay for package tour Country Average stay Malawi 15.0 Namibia 12.0 Ethiopia 11.8 Madagascar 10.0 Tanzania 9.4
Country Mauritius Botswana Zambia Rwanda Mozambique
Average stay 5.0 4.9 4.8 4.3 4.3
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Egypt Ghana South Africa Congo Jordan Kenya Uganda Senegal Seychelles
9.0 8.0 7.0 7.0 7.0 6.7 6.5 6.0 5.5
Angola Zimbabwe Zimbawe Gambia Togo U.A.E. Swaziland Lesotho
4.0 4.0 4.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 2.7 2.0
Benim
5.0
Average stay 6.9
Font: direct survey on catalogues
Price The average price of the package tours to Tanzania is not far from the overall average. The same for the daily cost (8% higher than the average). On the other hand the index distribution of the cost of the packages is higher than average. This index does not say that the cost of the package is higher, but it shows how much of the portion of the cost of a package tour is ascribed to a single destination. Being a single destination or the main destination of a multiple country package tour raises the value of the index. The daily cost of the packages connected with the number of days spent in Tanzania is cheaper than that of the competition. The destination seems more palatable to the customer of Tour Operators. The value is close to that of South Africa, while that of other competitors is higher (Kenya 54% more than the average, Botswana 23% more). Tab#18 - Index of price Country Kenya Zimbawe Uganda Zambia Botswana Rwanda Madagascar Tanzania South Africa Mozambique Angola Namibia Ethiopia Malawi Swaziland
Average price of the package 1.42 1.33 1.04 1.29 1.30 0.58 0.98 1.08 1.08 1.03 0.74 0.72 0.55 0.59 0.58
Average daily cost 1.54 1.44 1.23 1.23 1.23 1.10 1.09 1.09 1.05 0.93 0.69 0.66 0.55 0.44 0.44
Index of weight of the cost 1.74 0.93 1.33 0.80 0.83 0.68 1.57 1.56 0.98 0.55 0.40 1.08 0.88 0.95 0.14
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Gambia Senegal Benim Ghana Togo Zimbabwe Lesotho
0.32 0.32 0.54 0.54 0.54 0.43 0.54
0.40 0.40 0.37 0.37 0.37 0.32 0.30
0.17 0.34 0.27 0.43 0.16 0.23 0.09
Total
1.00
1.00
1.00
Source: Direct survey on catalogues Southern Tanzania Boasting some of Africa’s largest populations of lions, elephants and Wild dogs, southern Tanzania’s Selous, Ruaha and Mikumi Parks are amongst the best game reserves on the continent. We explore the region in search of wildlife by 4WD, boat and on foot, experiencing the wilds of Africa from different perspectives. With much lower visitor numbers than more famous parks, this area is perfect for those seeking a safari off the beaten path. From the catalogue of Adventure World
Products Catalogues of international tour operators promise unique experiences in visiting South Eastern Africa. They describe synthetically each package, giving reason to visit every destination included in the tour. These reasons can be classified What is Tanzania for Tour Operators homogenously Tanzania's attractions are superlative - Ngorongoro Crater, using 12 groups: the word's largest free standing caldera teeming with one of Adventure sport, Africa's densest concentration of wildlife; Olduvai Gorge, Architecture and renowned for the Leakely family's profound discoveries of archaeology, City, early man; and the Great Migration across the Serengeti Culture, Ethno & Folklore, Fauna, plains, just to name a few. Building up its safari Food & wine, infrastructure some 50 years after Kenya, Tanzania delivers Lifestyle, Nature a less-traveled experience within its prolific game parks. For general, Nature those seeking a true wilderness experience, travel south to specific, Sun & the immense and untouched Selous and Ruaha game Beach. preserves or visit Mahale Mountain National Park at Lake The elements that Tanganyika, home to the world largest population of attract tourists to chimpanzees. Easily combinable with Kenya, a Tanzania Tanzania are fairly safari can wrap up with a break getaway to the spice island distributed. When of Zanzibar. speaking of Tanzania, 29% of From the catalogue of Africa Travel Inc the time catalogues refers to its Fauna, 25% to Adventure Sports and the same percentage to Lifestyle.
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Other elements attractive features of the area are Ethno and Folklore, nature in general or for specific elements, the sun & beach. Kenya has a narrower margin of tourism offers that includes, in addition to the fauna (78% of the packages), only the components of Life Style (11%) and Sun & Beach (11%). The attractions of South Africa are more diversified, including visits to the main cities, food & wine and culture.
Cu ltu re & Fo lkl or e Fa u Fo od n a & w in e Lif e Na st tu yle re ge Na ne tu ra re l sp ec Su ifi c n & Be ac h o
Ci ty
Et hn
Ad ve
nt ur
e
sp or
t
Fig#12 - Weight of main attractions for Tanzania and competitors countries.
Botswana
Kenya
South Africa
Tanzania
Font: direct survey on catalogues Tab#19 - Classification of Tanzanian products from the catalogue Adventure World.
Adventure sport Cycle Rift Valley Lemosho Route Rongai Route Trek Ethno & Folklore Masai Fauna Game Drives Safari Wildlife Sun & Beach Exotic Island
Life style Escape Crowds Relax On Beaches Roof Of Africa Sunrise Swim In The Indian Ocean Trek Moonlight Nature general Curvature of Earth Nature specific Crater Lake Manyara
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4.3
Tanzania in the OTA
On the web site trivago.com the offer of accommodation in Tanzania is articulated. In total there are 699 facilities. The destinations considered (Arusha, Iringa, Dar Es Salaam and Zanzibar) collect 87% of the offers in the country. A very high percentage. 45% of the offer is concentrated in Zanzibar, which happens to be the area with the presence of the highest accommodation offer. 20% of the accommodation facilities are in Dar Es Salaam. In Arusha the percentage is a little higher. Tab#20 - Comparison of characteristics of accommodation in main destination of Tanzania and Kenya Number of stars Guest rating Price Tanzania 3.7 80.62 209.60 Arusha 3.7 79.97 276.18 Dar Es Salaam 3.7 76.02 153.88 Zanzibar 3.8 82.58 210.06 Iringa 85.00 n.a. Kenya 3.8 78.59 188.57 Rift Valley 4.3 81.43 365.13 Nairobi 3.6 76.66 135.01 Malindi 3.6 82.50 131.68 Importo totale 3.8 79.90 200.85 Source: direct survey on www.trivago.com
The study of accommodation facilities in Tanzania shows that the supply in the main tourism attraction is somehow similar. Yet Zanzibar presents a higher number of upper class facilities (26% of 5-star accommodation, 40% of 4-star accommodation, 22% of 3-star accommodation) while In Dar es Salaam, the fivestar facilities are only 14% of those showed on the OTA analysed, those rated 4 stars are 49% and 30% the three stars one. In Arusha there is the highest concentration of facilities rated three stars (44%) and the lowest of those rated 4 star (22%). The rating of the Tanzanian accommodation facilities shows that guests more satisfied with the facilities in Iringa (average 85.0), followed by those of Zanzibar (82.6)and Arusha (80). Less satisfactory are those in Dar Es Salaam. In comparison with the main competitor Kenya, Tanzania is on average more expensive, with an offer of equal quality but with a higher customer satisfaction for accommodation facilities. The price difference is due mainly to the quotations in the seaside destinations (Zanzibar average 210.06, Malindi average 131.68) and in the cities (Dar 153.88, Nairobi 135.01). In Arusha the average price is significantly lower than the Rift Valley (276.18 versus 365.13). The average price is influenced significantly by the quotations of the structures of the highest category.
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The difference in the judgment of customers is affected by the value of Iringa, particularly positive, while the opinion on accommodation in Arusha is on average lower than that reported for the Rift Valley. In the Rift Valley there are more high category accommodation facilities. Fig#13 - Tendency lines of distribution of accommodation facilities per category rate in Tanzania
1
2
Arusha Zanzibar Poli. (Arusha) Poli. (Zanzibar)
3
4
5
Dar Es Salaam Average Poli. (Dar Es Salaam) Poli. (Average)
Source: direct survey on www.trivago.com
4.4
Tourism flows to Tanzania and to competitors Countries
Countries competing in the tourism sector in South Eastern Africa attracted around 20.5 million tourists and visitors in 2010. Unfortunately, this is the last available year since some countries still have not provided data related to y2011. Problems with the completion of available data also affects the possibility of a thorough comparison of the performances of the countries studied. Kenya is one of the destinations that does not provide complete data and is late in the delivery of yearly figures. This makes it impossible to get an articulated comparison with the main competitor.
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Fig#14 - Distribution of arrivals at the borders by continent of origin and destination. y2010. ZAMBIA - t UGANDA - t
Africa
TANZANIA - v
Americas
SOUTH AFRICA - t
East Asia and the Pacific Europe
SEYCHELLES - t
Middle East
MOZAMBIQUE - v
South Asia
MAURITIUS - t
Others
KENYA - v 0%
10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Source: UNWTO
Based on 2010 UNWTO data, the most consistent tourism flow was the one coming from within Africa itself. It covered 65% of the total arrivals at the borders of the combination of countries analysed. The second source market was Europe (22% of arrivals at the borders), in third position the Americas (6%) in fourth position East Asia and the Pacific (4%). Concerning Tanzania, flow from African countries accounted for 45% of total visitor arrivals, European visitors covered 31%, those from the Americas 9% and those from East Asia and the Pacific 7%. Among the competitor countries, in 2010 Tanzania had one of the lowest number of border arrivals. One tenth of those in South Africa, less than half of those arriving in Kenya and Mozambique, 80% of those arriving in Uganda. Without considering the flow from within Africa itself, the ratios changes. Only South Africa (6 times the flows to Tanzania), Kenya (3.4 times) and Mauritius (1.8 times) show higher figures. The European market For Tanzania Europe is the first market outside of Africa. It represented around 30% of arrivals in the country in 2012. Among the European countries in first place for number of arrivals there is the United Kingdom (7% of arrivals), followed by Italy (about 5%), Germany (over 3%) and France (about 3%). The flow from Europe grew by 34% between 2008 and 2012. Among the major countries, the United Kingdom in the same period increased by 20%, France by 43%, Germany by 35% and Italy only by 10%. Compared with the main competitors, the impact of European Tourism on Tanzania is lower than for Mauritius and Seychelles.
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Arrivals in Tanzania from every main European country grew between 2009 and 2012. Mainly those from Germany (+44%) and France (+39%). As regards the competitor countries, flows from UK grew also in Mozambique and Uganda. Those from France had a more stable trend in every competitor country apart from in Mauritius and Zambia. Germany had a generalized boost (except toward Zambia), while Italy affected by a prolonged economic crisis, decreases arrivals in Mauritius, Seychelles and Zambia and increases in South Africa, Uganda and very little in Tanzania. Tab#21 - Arrivals in Tanzania and in the competitor countries from Europe Weight of Europe
KENYA - v MAURITIUS - t MOZAMBIQUE - v SEYCHELLES - t SOUTH AFRICA - t TANZANIA - v ZAMBIA - t UGANDA - t
2009
2012
69.8 66.6 11.2 77.6 17.8 32.7 18.1 9.9
n.a. 58.1 20.2 70.4 15.6 30.6 7.7 9.1
UK weight 2012 n.a. 9.08 2.60 5.41 4.77 6.46 2.96 3.55
growth '12/'09 n.a. -14.1 3,00 -0.3 -1.9 1,21 -52.3 0,79
France weight growth 2012 '12/'09 n.a. n.a. 27.15 -4.9 n.a. n.a. 15.50 0,09 1.33 0,71 2.60 1,63 0.35 -54.9 0.41 1,75
Germany weight growth 2012 '12/'09 n.a. n.a. 5.72 0,30 n.a. n.a. 13.54 1,75 2.90 1,46 3.40 1,80 0.77 -47.7 0.98 3,00
Italy weight 2012 n.a. 4.14 n.a. 11.25 0.67 4.66 0.35 0.56
growth '12/'09 n.a. -29.5 n.a. -10.4 0,88 0,21 -63.9 1,96
Source: elaborated by Target Euro
The American Market The Americas represents the second international market for Tanzania. In addition to the classic sources of flows (Canada and USA), in the American Continent, we find two fast growing markets: Brazil and Argentina. The weight of the American market for Tanzania is stable. In the competitor countries, the Americas are less important than in Tanzania. All the flows from the Americas are growing apart from in Zambia and Mauritius. Arrivals from Brazil and Argentina have more than doubled between 2009 and 2012. Tab#22 - Arrivals in Tanzania and in the competitor countries from Americas Weight of America
KENYA - v MAURITIUS - t MOZAMBIQUE - v SEYCHELLES - t SOUTH AFRICA - t TANZANIA - v ZAMBIA - t UGANDA - t
2009
2012
7.4 1.5 2.7 2.9 4.8 9.5 8.9 5.8
n.a. 1.7 6.1 2.7 5.6 9.3 3.7 5.9
USA weight 2012 n.a. 0.66 3.47 1.89 3.55 6.04 2.77 4.67
growth '12/'09 n.a. -8.3 8,21 0,38 1,71 1,46 -51.8 1,96
Canada weight growth 2012 '12/'09 n.a. n.a. 0.49 1,42 n.a. n.a. 0.35 1,92 0.73 1,96 1.74 1,17 0.64 -41.9 0.85 1,88
Argentina weight growth 2012 '12/'09 n.a. n.a. 0.08 2,04 n.a. n.a. 0.12 4,96 0.19 3,29 0.06 5,09 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.
Brazil weight 2012 n.a. 0.33 n.a. 0.17 0.85 0.22 n.a. n.a.
Source: elaborated by Target Euro
The market of East Asia and the Pacific Tourists arriving from East Asia and the Pacific weigh less than 10% in the market for Tanzania and its competitor Countries except for Zambia where they have a slightly higher impact. Flows from China have increased more in the competitor countries than in Tanzania, where we notice a boost of arrivals from New Zealand
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Development of Tourism and Marketing Strategy for the Southern Circuit, Tanzania
and Singapore. Generally, the market of East Asia and the Pacific is becoming more important for the Counties of East and South Africa. Tab#23 - Arrivals in Tanzania and in the competitor countries from East Asia and the Pacific Weight of East Asia and Pacific
KENYA - v MAURITIUS - t MOZAMBIQUE - v SEYCHELLES - t SOUTH AFRICA - t TANZANIA - v ZAMBIA - t UGANDA - t
2009
2012
8.2 3.0 1.3 2.2 3.1 4.3 5.4 2.4
n.a. 5.7 1.3 4.3 4.4 7.3 10.7 2.8
China weight 2012 n.a. 2.16 n.a. 2.16 1.44 1.28 7.44 0.72
growth '12/'09 n.a. 8,38 n.a. 16,13 11,76 3,09 n.a. 3,59
Japan weight 2012 n.a. 0.17 n.a. 0.46 0.37 0.51 0.41 0.35
New Zealand growth '12/'09 n.a. 0,88 n.a. 6,42 2,80 1,34 -34.2 3,80
weight 2012 n.a. 0.08 n.a. 0.07 0.24 0.92 0.18 0.06
growth '12/'09 n.a. -2.9 n.a. 0,50 0,96 15,92 -60.3 1,04
Singapore weight 2012 n.a. 0.22 n.a. 0.15 0.10 0.11 n.a. n.a.
growth '12/'09 n.a. 1,04 n.a. -37.2 1,38 12,26 n.a. n.a.
Source: elaborated by Target Euro
The market of South Asia Flows from South Asia represent a minor part of the arrivals in Tanzania and in the competitor Countries. However, the increase in arrivals from India shows the growth of an interesting market in the area. Arrivals of tourists from India grew more in the competitor Countries than in Tanzania. Tab#24 - Arrivals in Tanzania and in the competitor countries from South Asia Weight of South Asia
4.5
India
2009
2012
weight 2012
growth '12/'09
KENYA - v
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
MAURITIUS - t
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
MOZAMBIQUE - v
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
SEYCHELLES - t
1.4
1.6
1.2
57.5
SOUTH AFRICA - t
1.1
1.5
1.2
93.4
TANZANIA - v
3.0
5.3
2.1
34.5
ZAMBIA - t
1.8
1.8
1.8
18.6
UGANDA - t 1.9 2.3 Source: elaborated by Target Euro
2.1
91.9
Cost of flights
With the purpose to analyse the transportation costs from different destinations, Target Euro has compared the price of the flights from four main markets of origin during the peak season. The analysis take into consideration the cost of round trip flights from five main hubs - London, Frankfurt, Rome, Atlanta and Beijing - to the cities mostly cited on the catalogues as entry port to Tanzania and to the main competitors countries: Kenya and South Africa.
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Australia weight 2012 n.a. 1.76 n.a. 0.52 1.31 1.47 1.26 0.60
growth '12/'09 n.a. 2,67 n.a. 2,50 1,88 2,17 -33.7 3,13
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The prices showed in tab#25 are the lower and higher minimum costs of a round trip to Dar Es Salaam, Nairobi and Johannesburg for a six nights stay during August 2015. Dar Es Salaam is the cheapest destination for the minimum price in the period only for the flights from London. Also Johannesburg showed to be the cheapest destination for the lower price from only one city of origin: Atlanta. Nairobi seems to be cheapest destination in the lower minimum price from three cities (Frankfurt, Rome and Beijing) and in the higher minimum price from all the analysed cities. It is important to notice also that there are many direct flights from all the origin markets analysed in this simulation to Johannesburg; while considering Dar and Nairobi, all flights have at least a connection. Tab#25 - Lower and higher minimum cost of flights. August 2015. US$. Round trip one week Destination min max London Dar Es Salaam 531 1,129 Nairobi 800 987 Johannesburg 755 1,052 Rome Dar Es Salaam 630 1,223 Nairobi 621 1,000 Johannesburg 708 1,112 Frankfurt Dar Es Salaam 735 1,137 Nairobi 636 784 Johannesburg 648 910 Atlanta Dar Es Salaam 1,257 1,720 Nairobi 1,170 1,537 Johannesburg 1,019 2,077 Beijing Dar Es Salaam 1,285 1,361 Nairobi 1,148 1,224 Johannesburg 1,156 1,331 Source: Google flights
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5.
Tourism projects and programs undertaken by the most important stakeholders
With the present chapter, we analyze the currently implemented projects and programs, which are undertaken by stakeholders in the project areas regarding governmental, private sector and international organizations. The information used for this analysis was gathered through conducting personal interviews with relevant project participants, TANAPA staff at the project areas in Ruaha and Kitulo Parks and other information material, which we received from TANAPA HQ and project facilitators.
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5.1
List of projects and programs undertaken by the Government, international organizations, and private sector in the project areas:
Ruaha National Park Stakeholder group
Name of project/program
Timeframe
Government
TAWIRI
2014
Research findings to support conservation activities through Wildlife Aerial Census
Assessment of the current wildlife population, identification of diversity, distribution and determination of population trends by comparing results with previous estimates
Government
International Organizations
WCS-SHARPP
2014-2019
To conserve the biodiversity, habitats, water and to promote sustainable natural resources based on economic growth across the SHARPP landscape.
- Strengthen protection and management of elephant population in the Pas of the Greater Ruaha ecosystem - Improved natural resource governance and transparency in WMAs - Improved management of wildlife corridors, forest catchments and other biological significance
USAID
Objective
Results, achievements
Source of fund
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- Increased and diversified income for local communities WWF2011-2016 Sustainable Water Access use and Management
Private sector
Conservation NGOs: Ruaha Wildlife Connection, Friends of Ruaha, Ruaha Carnivore
Ongoing
Individual Contributors/ groups/comm unities i.e. inside/adjacen t to the park
Sue Stolberger and Robert Glen ‘Conservation Artists ’
1994present
Restoration of Great Ruaha River and Sustainable involvement of key stakeholders
Promote sustainable environmental conservation through conducting wildlife research, provision of conservation by education to local communities and integrating them with PA management in conservation activities. Depicting African wildlife, natural history, ecology, and conservation
- Increased awareness to local communities (farmers) through trainings and stakeholder meetings towards environmental issues in the catchment area. - raise awareness and conduct meetings with stakeholders - discuss sustainable conservation of the Great Ruaha River - Conduct training for conservation and park visits for local communities and schools adjacent to the park
- contributed on understanding of African ecology and conservation of its habitat - book publications such as: An Intimate View, 2012; The Ruaha Sketch Book; census of birds and species in Ruaha NP
PFDI-UK
Private Donors and fundraising
Self financed
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Kitulo National Park Stakeholder group Government
International Organizations
Name of project/Program TANROAD Construction of road from Chimala to the park entry gate via Matamba, road via Isyonje, road via Makete District AWF - Land use plan
WCS-SHARPP
Timeframe
2013-2014
2014-2019
Objective
Results, achievement
Source of fund
Improve (tourism) accessibility
Accessibility improved
- Local governmentMakete District
Resolve/reduce land use conflict between the park and communities
Raise awareness on sustainable utilization of natural resources (particularly water resource management)
USAID
To conserve the biodiversity, habitats, water and to promote sustainable natural resources based on economic growth across the SHARPP landscape.
Environmental conservation awareness to local communities through research programs and seminars on computers, GPS, camera application
USAID
Private sector: NONE Individual Contributors/groups/communities i.e. inside/outside the park: NONE
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6.
Main constrains limiting the tourism development
Target Euro have identified different problems hampering tourism development in Ruaha and Kitulo NPs at different levels and, in general, in the Southern Circuit, that are limiting its tourism development. These problems became evident after the in depth analysis of the interviews conducted during its fields missions in the project area, the analysis of the available documentation and the results of the survey carried out with the Tour Operators. These problems refer to both the public and the private sectors' strategies on building the competitiveness of the local tourism supply. In particular, the main constraints related to tourism development are as follows: -
Accessibility This is one of the most severe constraints affecting the tourism development of Ruaha and Kitulo NPs. It particularly refers to the land connection and the low quality of the roads leading to the parks. As already said in the analysis of the tourism supply, at the moment, a tourist needs around 8 hours to arrive to Ruaha Park from Dar Es Salaam. A very long time, as stated by all those interviewed. Some interlocutors also mentioned the very bad conditions of the roads inside the parks, which affect the quality of the jeep safaris. In addition, many stakeholders also consider the airline connection to be a major problem. The present supply of charter and scheduled flights from the main cities and main tourism destinations of the country to Iringa and Mbeya are not considered enough to stimulate a tourism development of the project area. In this case, the problem refers to the limited numbers of flights and that they are all national flights, while there are not, as in the Northern Circuit, direct connections with international destinations. Although Mbeya is considered as an international airport, there are currently hardy any flights arriving from outside of Tanzania. Both GMPs for Ruaha and Kitulo NPs include the development of the accessibility infrastructures to the parks, especially the air connection. All private stakeholders have mentioned this issue as of high priority to be developed in the short term.
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-
High costs of tourism services BOX#1: In the South you have two The high cost of tourism services is options for travelling - either with another severe constraint expensive airfares or with long road identified by local stakeholders. It journeys to access the national parks. mainly refers to the accommodation and transport In order to keep the rates competitive services. As shown in the analysis with the north we are marketing 10+ of the situation carried out by day packages with multi-park road Target Euro, there are different trips to overcome this problem, and it accommodation typologies in both works quite well. We work with Ruaha and Kitulo parks and boutique hotels in Udzungwas / surrounding areas. However, tour Morogoro / Iringa, etc. to break up operators consider their daily rate the long road journeys. relatively high compared to the (Source: interview with tour operator) quality of the infrastructures. Considering the transport services, the rate for the land and air transportation is too high and not competitive enough for tourists, who prefer to stay in the area where they are spending their holidays. For some tour operators and other stakeholders, it is because the Southern Circuit is actually promoted as a secondary destination in the country, and the majority of its visitors come to Tanzania for other tourism destinations (Zanzibar and the Northern Circuit).
-
Accommodation facilities All public and private stakeholders, interviewed by Target Euro, have declared the need to develop new high quality accommodation. The existing ones BOX#2 are very limited particularly Investment: many improvements regarding the number of available planned for the parks depends on beds and of 'mid quality' typology, investors, but there are hardly any. (the accommodation facilities are (Source: interview with tour either very high or very low quality); operator) especially in Kitulo NP there is only very low quality accommodation outside the park. As analysed in the present report, the GMP of both parks identifies areas inside the parks where new tourism accommodation facilities will/can be developed; however, there are currently no investors available to run the projects. This means that the national parks have not found a short-term solution yet.
-
Legal Framework The legal framework seems to be another critical point for the tourism development in the Southern Circuit and the whole country of Tanzania in general. Various stakeholders have stated that the present licence regulation is inadequate to stimulate investors to run new tourism businesses. In particular, the tax to obtain a licence is considered too expensive. The biggest problem seems to be an over regulation of the natural parks and protected areas. Key stakeholders declared that the increasing complexity of the tourism industry
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needs an adequate regulation especially with respect to the concrete role of each actor involved in the tourism development. This means that the circulation of people and goods has to be made as free as possible. The Government needs to urgently reform the existing tourism legislation especially referring to taxation, fees, concessions, licences and investments. Preservation of the natural and cultural resources has to be continued by the Government; however, it should be carried out in accordance with the needs of the tourism development BOX#3 sector. Based on the Tourist Agency Licensing Additionally, many private Authority, any person who operates a stakeholders stated that the present tourism related business needs a high costs for tourism operator license. It costs 2,000 US$ for locals and licences (but especially for tour 5,000 US$ for foreigners. The problem operators) and several taxes are is that a license is now needed not only stimulating various tourism for every company, but for every providers to run their enterprises individual running a company and for without any legal authorization. any activity/product. For instance, with Stakeholders stated that in the the new legislation a company that Southern Circuit there is a certain offers many different products like boat number of tourism enterprises trips, canoeing, horse riding, trailing working with a licence. These are trips, jeep safaris, etc. is supposed to certainly limiting the quality of the have a license for each product it present tourism supply, and offers. threatening the preservation of the (Source: interview with tour natural and cultural resources of the operator) Country. Different local stakeholders have stated -
Promotion and commercialization Many stakeholders have stated that tourists and the international markets do not know the Southern Circuit yet - they are hardly aware of the tourism products that are offered, are not in contact with service providers, and are skeptical about the future of the destination. Despite the fact that the International (Tourism) Marketing Strategy considers the Southern Circuit as a priority, there is still the need to activate a concreted promotional campaign that is not only focused on the Northern Circuit and Zanzibar. In addition, the promotion of the Southern Circuit cannot be focused only on Ruaha and Kitulo, it should also be addressed to a multi-park itinerary, including Ruaha, Mikumi, Udzungwas, Kitulo. Selous GR, which is the largest wildlife protected area in the whole of Africa; Nyasa lake would also represent an interesting destination to be integrated into the overall product. Finally, the present marketing activities are co-financed by TANAPA and the Government, however, the annual amount for promotion and commercialization activities at international level is considered very limited. All private stakeholders stated that the national Government should make a higher amount of financial resources available in order to finance promotion and commercialization activities of the Southern Circuit.
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-
Institutional collaboration Private stakeholders stated the need to intensify the collaboration between the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, TANAPA and the private sector. The present tourism development strategy at national level includes a PPP development strategy, however many private stakeholders consider it extremely focused on the research of investors; while it should be focused on a wider sense, including collaboration for the definition of the tourism development policies and strategies, promotion activities, and the legislation framework. Professional collaboration needs to be based on trust between the public and the private sectors - presently the private sector distrusts the public authorities due to misinformation, longs lags between decisions, and the lack of transparency.
-
Tourism product Key stakeholders stated that there is no diversification between the tourism products supplied in Ruaha NP and Selous GR and those organized in the Northern Circuit. Safaris are the most popular tourism products BOX#4 supplied in the Northern Circuit as Kitulo is only a market-niche not able to well as in the Southern Circuit, and generate interesting tourism flows. The the present organization of the tourist other parks could be considered as a stakeholders in the north is too replication of the parks in the Northern competitive compared to the Circuit. (source: interview with tour Southern Circuit. Finally, referring operator) to Kitulo, many tour operators declared that it is a niche tourism product and the related tourism demand is too small to justify tourism investments. Considering the richness of the natural and cultural resources in Tanzania, it is clear that there is the need to diversify the tourism supply and tourism products in the Southern Circuit, with the purpose of stimulating the present and potential tourism demand for the tourism assets of the South.
-
Poaching Unfortunately, big game poaching (especially elephants), is still a problem in the Southern Circuit. The efforts of the Tanzanian government to curb this problem have still not been fully rewarded, as there are still sporadic but resistant episodes of hunting. Poaching and animal rights could have a negative impact on international tourist arrivals and create only bad publicity. This problem was not only highlighted by various stakeholders but can also be read in lots of recent articles in renowned international magazines such as The Economist. Big game poaching needs to be fought at the root of the problem, by prosecuting offenders and eliminating the illegal ivory trade. Tourism can help considerably on this, as demonstrated in other similar tourism destinations, the presence of tourists, visitors and tourism stakeholders in the protected areas can help to monitor and control the parks against the poaching. The Consultant visited the training courses for Ruaha National Park rangers for anti-poaching and is convinced of the ability of the rangers´ to fight against potential poachers.
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7.
SWOT Analysis
The present last chapter includes the main Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats of the Southern Circuit taking into account the tourism system actually organized by local stakeholders. This methodology is a critical approach in order to summarize and point out the main constraints of the present tourism organization and supply of the Southern Circuit and it should be considered as the starting point of the next two phases consisting in the identification of the “development objectives” and the formulation of the tourism development and marketing strategies. In addition, the present SWOT analysis includes a list of recommendations that have to be take into account during the next phases related to the definition of the objectives and strategy. Finally, due to the characteristics of the Southern Circuit, as a whole, and Ruaha and Kitulo NPs, the SOWT analysis is referred to them separately. Southern Circuit Strengths - Quality of nature and wildlife - Safety compared with other competitor destinations - Possibility of integration with the tourism product “Sun & Beach”
Weakness - Southern circuit is not recognizable with strong brands (like Ngorongoro or Kilimanjaro for the north) - Lake of accessibility (especially referred to land transportation and international flights) - Taxation, licence system and administrative fulfilment - Poor service standards - High priced products and services - General lack of quality of the tourism services
Opportunities
Threats
- Growing demand for nature and adventure tourism. - Growing attention to sustainable products. - Collaboration with other areas of South and North Tanzania; - Development of community based tourism.
- Dialogue between public and private sector; - High cost for investment - Changing the regulatory framework; - Specific promotion of the Southern Circuit
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Ruaha National Park
-
Strengths Strong wildlife feeling One-stop multi-activity safari destination Presence of 574 bird species (bird watching) Quality of Accommodation facilities Price / quality ratio of accommodation facilities Opportunities
- Development of “new safari experience” with Combination of jeep and walking safari - Adequate marketing of the area; - Support to Community Based tourism (Maasai villages) - Air access to the area via Iringa (infrastructure, services) - Facilitate road access from Mbeya; - Collaboration with other areas of South and North Tanzania
-
Weakness Air and road accessibility Issues with villages around the park for boundaries Scarce tourism interpretation Lack of informational signs
Threats - Exacerbation of the issue with communities living around the Usangu plains - Scarce interest of accommodation facilities and tour operators to promote Community Based tourism
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Kitulo National Park Strengths - Botanist’s paradise - Unspoiled area on a mountain plateau - Low frequency of tourists - Top nature experience
Weakness -
-
Opportunities Opening of new road to the Park Opening of Campsites planned in the park Presence of NGO Tourism product diversification bird-watching and hiking)
-
-
Tourism asset less striking Road access to the park Scarce promotion also at local level Absence of accommodation facilities inside the park Low quality of accommodation facilities near to the park; Absence of shops dedicated to selling hiking and craftsmanship Low quality of food and beverage suppliers Scarce tourism information in and around the park Threats Communication between private and public stakeholders Relation between Government/TANAPA and private sector Scarce attention to the environment High cost of fees and licences for investment Frequent changes in laws and rules
Some suggestions Considering the SWOT analysis, the objectives and the tourism development and marketing strategies should have to be oriented to:
develop a competitive tourism product portfolio in order to deversify the present tourist demand and create new job opportunities for local population;
strengthen the interpretation of the Southern Circuit with the purpose to increase the experience of the tourists during their visits and diversify the Southern from the Northern Circuit.
create an informative system in order to connect activities and structures of the area making it more available for the tourists and visitors;
develop a “brand-strategy” for te Southern Circuit and supporting the promotion and commercialization activties of local tourism stakeholders;
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stimulate the collaboration among local stakeholders for improving and diversifying the tourism supply, and strenghten the PPP strategy already activated by the Government;
develop tourism business run by local population;
stimulate the organization of training courses in order to improve the quality of the services and the competences of the human resources, favorating the creation of new jobs;
develop the accessibility to the Southern Circuit;
stimulate new tourism segments to visit the area, and increase the tourism segments that already starded to visit the Southern Circuit;
develop the image and appeal of the Southern Circuit in the tourism markets;
improve and strengthen both direct and indirect tourism commercialization channels (e-commerce, tourism platforms, tour operators. Travel agencies, travel associations, etc.).
develop a Total Quality Management Program based on the customer satisfaction and on the sustainability.
This is only a short list of suggestions that should have to be confirmed and/or changed during the next field mission of the Consultant in the project area.
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8.
Next steps
As already said in the introduction of the present report, the outputs of the analysis of the situation will be useful to start a constructive discussion with local public and private stakeholders. The purpose is to identify, in a collaborative way, the objectives and the strategies for a long-term tourism sustainable development of the Southern Circuit. Taking into account the delay of around one month compared to the original working plan, and the methodological approach proposed by Target Euro, the next steps to be carried out during the remaining two months and half of project implementation are the following: Activities
Objectives
1. Field mission of the To present the outputs of the Consultant analysis of the situation to the UNDP, SPANEST, TANAPA and other stakeholders
2. Workshops with local stakeholders
To identify the development objectives and the guidelines of the tourism development and marketing strategy
3. Delivering of the third report 4. Elaboration of the tourism strategy
--
5. Delivering of the final report 6. Presentation of the final report
Desk work for the definition of the tourism development and marketing strategies -Presentation of the Tourism Development and Marketing Strategies to the UNDP, SPANEST and TANAPA (and other stakeholders if requested), and integration of remarks and comments to the final report
Duration / deadline Around two weeks, starting from the third week of January (in accordance with the agenda of the tourism stakeholders) Around two weeks, starting from the third week of January (in accordance with the agenda of the tourism stakeholders) End of January 2015 First three weeks of February 2015 At the end of the third week of February 2015 Last week of February 2015
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