By the end of this month, Arusha, Tanzania will host both the World Tourism Day celebrations and East Africa’s largest indoor travel and tourism event.
The Institute of Accountancy Arusha (IAA) and Rethinking Tourism Africa (RTA) are collaborating to organize the event, which is scheduled for September 26–27.
The presence of a senior UN tourism official, who will oversee the proceedings, underscores the significance of this occasion. According to John Saragu, RTA Coordinator, Marcel Leijzer, the UN’s Technical Cooperation Manager, will represent the organization at these key events in the tourism industry. This announcement was made during a press conference held over the weekend in Arusha.
A major highlight will be the participation of American star Michael Ruggiero, renowned for his impactful work in media and tourism. Ruggiero’s involvement is part of his ongoing project to produce an innovative documentary aimed at promoting Tanzanian tourism globally.
The documentary, titled Wings Over Tanzania, is being created in collaboration with his partner Haley Jackson. Inspired by the legendary flying safaris of Osa and Martin Johnson from the late 1920s, the film is set to air on major US television networks and aims to showcase Tanzania’s diverse tourism opportunities on an international stage.
This year’s gathering, themed “Tourism and Peace,” is expected to be a vibrant forum for discussing and advancing global peace through travel. The event is projected to attract nearly 600 delegates and exhibitors, surpassing the 450 attendees of the previous year.
According to Saragu, exhibition space is nearly fully booked, reflecting the high level of interest and excitement surrounding the event. “This event offers entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to connect with managers, academics, owners, and key decision-makers from the tourism industry, all in one place,” Saragu noted.
Stakeholders from around the world are eagerly anticipating what is being hailed as the most significant indoor conference and expo in the region. The enthusiasm for the event is palpable.
Copenhagen-based travel portal owner Mikael Morlander expressed his excitement: “I am thrilled to participate in this event in Arusha for the fourth time. It provides an excellent indoor platform to engage with all stakeholders in the tourism sector under one roof.”