Tanzania Government Grants Grace Period for New TAWA Tourism Fees Implementation
In response to concerns raised by tourism industry stakeholders, the United Republic of Tanzania’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, through the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA), has granted a ten-month grace period for the implementation of newly introduced TAWA Tourism Fees under the Wildlife Conservation (Non-Consumptive Wildlife Utilization) (Amendment) Regulations, 2024. This grace period will run from February 15ᵗʰ, 2025, to December 31ˢᵗ, 2025.
Background and Stakeholders’ Concerns
TATO was at the forefront of this movement, taking decisive action as soon as the new TAWA Tourism Fees were announced. Recognizing the potential negative impact on the industry, TATO swiftly organized a meeting with key stakeholders, culminating in a press conference on January 29ᵗʰ, 2025, at the TATO offices.
During the press conference, organized by TATO’s Executive Director, Mr. Elirehema Maturo, industry stakeholders urged the government and the Ministry of Tourism to reconsider the newly introduced TAWA Tourism Fees, emphasizing the need for proper consultation and stakeholder involvement before implementing changes that affect the tourism sector.
Through TATO Vice Chairman, Mr. Henry Kimambo, TATO amplified the industry’s concerns, advocating for government transparency and a participatory regulatory process. The association formally petitioned the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, calling for an inclusive consultation framework and urging reconsideration of the fee adjustments. This proactive approach led to the convening of the January 29ᵗʰ, 2025, consultative meeting, where TATO continued to push for fair and inclusive decision-making, ultimately influencing the government’s decision to grant a grace period for the implementation of the TAWA Tourism Fees.
Consultative Meeting and Government Response
In response to these concerns, the Ministry of Natural Resources & Tourism, along with TAWA officials, convened a consultative meeting on January 29ᵗʰ, 2025, at the National College of Tourism (Bustani Campus) Conference Room in Dar es Salaam. This meeting was chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources & Tourism, Dr. Hassan Abbas.
During the meeting, industry leaders and government representatives discussed the implications of the new TAWA Tourism Fees and the necessity of stakeholder engagement in future regulatory decisions.
Following deliberations in this constructive meeting, the Ministry has decided to allow the TAWA Tourism Fees stipulated in the Wildlife Conservation (Non-Consumptive Wildlife Utilization) Regulations, 2016, to remain in effect until the end of the grace period on December 31ˢᵗ, 2025. This decision aims to provide stakeholders with sufficient time to adjust to the changes while allowing for further dialogue on the matter.
Official Communication and Next Steps
A formal directive on the grace period was issued by Acting Conservation Commissioner, Mr. Mlage Yussuf Kabange, on February 11ᵗʰ, 2025. The letter, addressed to key tourism stakeholders including TATO, emphasizes the government’s commitment to cooperation and sustainable tourism development.
Stakeholders are encouraged to utilize this grace period for further discussions with the Ministry of Natural Resources & Tourism to ensure that future regulatory changes are made in an inclusive and transparent manner.
The Ministry has also expressed its willingness to engage in ongoing dialogue to address concerns and foster a more collaborative approach to policy adjustments within the tourism sector.
TATO remains committed to advocating for the best interests of the tourism industry and will continue to lead discussions to ensure fair and sustainable regulatory decisions.
For further clarification, tourism stakeholders can contact TATO at 📩 executivedirector@tatotz.org.
