East Africa's Tourism Future Hinges on Sustainability and Regional Cooperation, Says German Diplomat
Germany's Chargé d'Affaires in Tanzania, Manuel Müller, has said East Africa's long-term tourism growth will depend on stronger sustainability practices and deeper regional cooperation within the East African Community (EAC). Speaking during stakeholder discussions in Arusha at the weekend, Müller welcomed Tanzania's efforts to balance conservation with rising international visitor demand, as German tourist arrivals to the country have nearly doubled over the past eight years and now account for approximately 5% of total international arrivals.
Discussions brought together government representatives, tourism associations and private sector operators, with participants highlighting cross-border travel packages, conservation initiatives and inclusive labour standards as key pillars of a competitive regional tourism offer. Industry leaders pointed to joint campaigns such as the Tanzania-Uganda "UG-Arusha Connect" initiative and shared participation in regional expos, including POATE and Karibu-KiliFair as evidence of growing collaboration. Germany's development agency GIZ also confirmed ongoing support for the regional "Visit East Africa – Feel the Vibe" brand and the "Invest East Africa" initiative, aimed at attracting German private sector investment into sustainable tourism across the bloc.
Source: Daily News Tanzania
