Tanzania stages tourism roadshows in Europe

Tanzania's tourism watchdog said on Thursday it has launched a six-day tourism roadshow in some European countries to promote the nation's tourist attractions.

Ten Tanzanian tourist companies are participating in the roadshows that started June 3 and will last through June 8 in London, Brussels, Paris and Lyon, said Francis Malugu, marketing officer of Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB).

"During our visits to the United Kingdom, Belgium and France, we expect the visitors from these countries to increase as we look forward to meeting the target of reaching 2 million tourists annually by 2020," Malugu said.

The TTB and its delegations have met about 135 tour agents from London, Brussels, Paris and Lyon who have agreed to start promoting Tanzania as a preferred destination in their respective countries, said the official.

According to Malugu, another tourism roadshow will be held in China later this year.

Last year, the TTB conducted a similar event in Mumbai, India, where it managed to reach over 300 tourist agents.

Tourism is one of Tanzania's largest foreign exchange earners, contributing an average of 2 billion U.S. dollars annually, which is equivalent to 25 percent of all foreign exchange earnings, according to government data.