TATO Participates in National Tax Think Tank Forum to Advocate for Tourism Sector Reforms
On 2nd and 3rd June 2025, the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) took part in the high-level National Tax Think Tank Forum held in Dodoma, aimed at reviewing tax proposals and shaping fiscal policies ahead of the 2025/26 National Budget.
The high-level forum was chaired by Hon. Dr. Mwigulu Lameck Nchemba (MP), Minister of Finance, and drew participation from Cabinet Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, heads of public institutions, and leading representatives of private sector associations like Tanzania Private Sector Federation(TPSF).
Representing the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) at this crucial forum were:
- Mr. Wilbard Chambulo, TATO Board Chairman
- Mr. Henry Kimambo, TATO Vice Chairman
- Mr. Elirehema Maturo, Executive Director
- Mr. Raju Modha, TATO Board Director
- Mr. Satbir Singh Hanspaul, TATO Member and Industry Stakeholder
Their collective presence reaffirmed TATO’s commitment to shaping policies that directly affect the tourism industry, one of Tanzania’s top foreign exchange earners and a major contributor to employment and investment.
Purpose and Importance of the Forum
The National Tax Think Tank Forum was designed to deliberate on tax proposals submitted by stakeholders in preparation for the 2025/26 National Budget. It provided a platform for engaging decision-makers and refining fiscal policies to align with the goals of economic transformation and private sector growth.
TPSF played a central role in coordinating the private sector’s contributions and emphasized the need for:
- A fair and predictable tax regime
- Incentives that promote investment and sectoral reinvestment
- Tax reforms that support productivity, formalization, and competitiveness
- Policies that foster digital inclusion and innovation across sectors
TATO’s Key Advocacy Areas
Speaking on behalf of the tourism sector, the TATO delegation highlighted several priority concerns:
- The need to harmonize tourism-related taxes and levies, which currently pose a challenge for operators and investors
- The importance of supporting domestic and international investment in tourism infrastructure
- Calls for clarity and consistency in tax collection and reporting mechanisms, especially for tour operators working across regions
- Proposals to expand tax education and capacity-building for tourism SMEs to ensure better compliance and growth
- The proposal to digitize and streamline taxation processes to reduce compliance costs and encourage formalization
TATO also highlighted how an enabling tax regime can stimulate employment, foreign exchange earnings, and community-based tourism models — all crucial for Tanzania’s broader development goals.
TATO also reiterated its support for public-private dialogue (PPD) as a tool for strengthening mutual accountability, transparency, and shared economic vision.
Moving Forward
TPSF, with the active involvement of associations like TATO, will continue to advocate for a tax framework that enables long-term development. The organization has committed to compiling the Think Tank outcomes and submitting evidence-based recommendations to the Ministry of Finance.
The National Tax Think Tank Forum was a vital opportunity for TATO to present the sector’s realities, offer solutions, and influence the shaping of an equitable tax framework. It reaffirmed the need for stronger public-private collaboration in ensuring that Tanzania’s fiscal environment supports long-term economic transformation.
The tourism sector’s full participation in these national fiscal discussions signals an important shift—tourism is not only a cultural and ecological asset but a key economic pillar that must be integrated into the country’s development and tax policy frameworks.
TATO remains committed to working with all relevant stakeholders and authorities to ensure that tourism continues to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.
