The Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism has launched national Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) after Tanzania opened its borders in May.
The procedures ensure that arriving tourists do not bring in COVID-19, do not contract it, that all service providers remain safe and that tourists leave the country safe after their visit.
Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Hamisi Kigwangalla launched the SOPs at Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha last week, under which tourism businesses must appoint a contact person and adequately train a COVID-19 liaison officer.
"The liaison officer should keep abreast of health protocols and preventive measures and be updated on all designated approved hospitals for coronavirus testing and treatment, medical clinics and mobile clinics stationed across the country," said Kigwangalla.
Thermal screening is mandatory at all entrance points and guest accommodation facilities must have an insurance mechanism for assisting guests to reach the designated hospitals approved by the health ministry or, where possible, to enable evacuation arrangements.
Tourism entities are to create a disposal mechanism for masks and other protective equipment that comply with recommended national health and safety standards and environmental considerations.
The SOPs were prepared by the ministry in collaboration with tour agencies and operators under the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators.
"Our strategic location, economic stability and the best of multicultural hospitality make the country a top-of-mind destination for business activities. The sector supports nearly 1.6 million direct and indirect jobs,” said Kigwangalla.
“We are now ready to be back in business and tourists have started arriving, more bookings are made and major airlines will start jetting in.”
Meanwhile, Coastal Aviation, which operates out of Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, has resumed operations with its first flight since the end of the lockdown taking off on June 16. Its updated flight schedule shows domestic flights resuming but regional flights to Kenya and Rwanda are still suspended.
