TOUR OPERATORS REPORT BOOM IN TANZANIA BOOKINGS BUSINESS FROM U.S BRISK AND PREDICTED TO GROW!!.



The year 2009 is ushering in brisk business for tour operators booking safaris to Tanzania, the largest country in east Africa .

Peter Mwenguo, Managing Director, Tanzania Tourist Board, concludes “in a year when people are conscious about cost / value, Tanzania offers an excellent travel experience where the dollar buys much more than is available in other countries. America is Tanzania’s number one source for tourism and we are encouraged by the positive feedback we have received that this growth will continue even during a challenging economic climate.”

Jo Bertone, USA Director of Naipenda Safaris, has seen no evidence of a travel slowdown when it comes to Tanzania. “While the media was filled with doom and gloom for the past few months about the U.S economy in general, she says, “right after the elections and the holidays we resumed normal-if not higher-quote requests on booking to Tanzania. People see that the sky isn’t falling, they know that Tanzania is a beautiful and peaceful country (we have never had a problem in any part of Tanzania),and they’re ready again for a good travel experience.’’

In fact, in an article written for USA Today (U.S is the highest circulation national daily newspaper) In December,2008,Marc noting Africa Adventure Company cites Tanzania as ‘’One of the Top Two Safari destinations in the World.’’ He added ‘’Business the first two weeks of the New Year has been GREAT”.

Kenneth Herbert, founder and president of New York based 2aAfrica,as a guest on voice of America(January 12)told listeners that “the price structure in Tanzania now, combined with its beauty, make it the must-go-to destination this year .Take advantage of its good deals while you can!”. At his company, ’’Tanzania is without question my best seller at the moment. I am turning them out a dime a dozen.’ He adds that “Tanzania still remains so popular that Arthur
Framer’s budget Travel Magazine is running it AGAIN in the March issue under the the 40 BEST DEALS.’’

In a Steinhiler, Director of sales and Marketing, at the Boston-based Thompson safaris, notes that their sales of safari packages to Tanzania are also brisk. “No one is canceling or postponing for economic reasons. Were more than pleased,’’ s he comments. “People aren’t putting their lives on hold.’’

At safari ventures based in Florida, Rumit Mehta, Director of Business Development in New York City, feels that many Americans are fulfilling a dream in keeping and/or creating travel plans to Tanzania. ’’In the last five or so years, safari Ventures has seen a steady growth of clients from business schools and universities who are interested in the intellectual and cultural heritage of Tanzania. There are more than enough value-added hotels, safaris and other attractions to keep them booking this.’’
Lynn Newby-Fraser of Africa Dream Safaris says “Despite the economic gloom there still seems to be people who are looking for a trip-of-a-lifetime and interestingly they’re looking to Tanzania for the experience. Our bookings for the 1st week of January 2009 are double what they were in 2008 and our website traffic is also up substantially. I think that people are beginning to recognize that the Serengeti is not only the undisputed champion for wildlife viewing and that the overall quality of safari available to them in Tanzania is nothing short of superb. I think that people just need to look at the 2009 Worlds’ Best Safari Outfitters as voted by National
Geographic Adventures, and see that three of the top ten Outfitters-Africa Dream Safaris being one-focus specifically on Tanzania. That’s a high percentage and says a lot about what the country and its operators have to offer tourists!’’

Kent Redding of Adventures in Africa state “I think bookings are starting to pick up in 2009.From our standpoint, we are cautiously optimistic that I’ve hired a Director of sales and Marketing, and am increasing marketing activities such as the New York Times Travel Show, and more.’’

Amant Macha Director of Marketing Tanzania tourist Board, confirms that they expect to hold and/or increase market share in 2009 as a result of “the increase in hi-end accommodations to meet the demand of the luxury travel segment and improved air access combined with ongoing advertising on CNN and other U.S. media.’’

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