Tanzania Tourism Supported by World Trade Organization

Tanzania tourism projects are scheduled to receive technical and financial support from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), in collaboration with the Banesto Foundation through a program that will also provide assistance to Ethiopia and Mozambique.

The cooperation agreement between the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Banesto Foundation is intended to help identify, provide technical support to and finance tourism business projects within the three countries that have been identified thus far.

According to a statement that was recently released by the UNWTO, while the agreement will initially be carried out in Tanzania, Ethiopia and Mozambique, it may later be extended to include other countries both in Africa and in Latin America.

The agreement between the two organizations establishes the basis of the identification, evaluation, and technical and financial support of projects that are to be undertaken, which, according to the agreement, will preferably be used for projects by women, associations or cooperatives and communities in the tourism sector.

“Project selection will be carried out jointly taking into consideration, among other aspects, economic viability, potential impact on the local economy, the promotion and employment of women, solidarity aspects and environmental sustainability,” read the UNWTO statement.

According to the agreement, in addition to the task of allocating funds, the UNWTO will also undertake the task of providing guidance and technical assistance to the selected projects within the tourism sector.

Along with the support of local organizations, the approved tourism projects will receive funding through various subsidies or micro credits.

Resources for the projects will be provided by the Banesto Foundation.

As a result of agreements with collaborating organizations, fund raising activities, and individual contributions that were made online through the Banesto Foundation sponsored web initiative entitled, “Sustainable and Responsible Tourism,” additional resources may also be available through third-party contributions.

Based on the agreement, all of the projects that are approved by the collaboration will become part of the sustainable and responsible tourism network that is promoted by the Banesto Foundation in Africa and Latin America.

According to the Secretary General of the UNWTO, Taleb Rifai, and the President of the Banesto Foundation, Antonio Basagoiti, the potential for tourism serves as an instrument for socioeconomic development within some of the least developed countries in the world.

In addition, Mr. Rifai and Mr. Basagoiti also emphasized the significance women in the tourism sector as well as the importance of access for small enterprises within the tourism sector both to financing and to technical assistance and encouraged.