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How
Important is Emirates Airlines to Tourism
in Tanzania and East Africa?
 COMMENTS
BY HON. ZAKIA HAMDANI MEGHJI (MP) MINISTER FOR
NATURAL RESOURCES AND TOURISM , REPUBLIC OF
TANZANIA AT A GALA DINNER TO LAUNCH EMIRATES AIR
DAILY FLIGHTS TO DAR ES SALAAM ON JUNE 25TH AT THE
ROYAL PALM HOTEL
"It is indeed a great honour and privilege for
me to be here this evening to officiate the
launching of Emirates Air daily flights to Dar es
Salaam. May I take this opportunity on behalf of
the Ministry of Natural resources and Tourism in
particular, and on behalf of the tourism fraternity
in general to express our appreciation to the
Management of Emirates Air, for this noble
initiative. Development of tourism depends on
development of almost every other sector of the
economy. Its development can therefore be easily
hampered by the weakness of another sector. Tourism
as an activity connotes movement of an individual
from one place to the other. You will therefore, no
doubt agree with me the airline industry is
essential for development of tourism in any
country."
 "For
many years direct international air travel to
Tanzania was cited as a major hindrance to smooth
travel for inbound tourists. The scenario began
changing rapidly with the introduction of daily
flights by KLM in 2001, introduction of direct
flights by British Airways in April 2003, and now
daily flights by Emirates Air. This is tremendous
achievement because Emirates was flying only four
times a week to Tanzania. I strongly hope that
other Airlines will take this as a challenge."
Further comments by the Minister
"I am told that Emirates Air was established in
1985 with only one aircraft serving 2 destinations.
Currently they have 44 aircrafts serving 62
destinations. I understand Emirates flies to North
and West Africa, Europe, Middle East, Far East
including Japan and Australia just to mention a
few. With the introduction of Boeing 777 daily
flight into Tanzania, our country will therefore be
easily accessed by African countries as well as
countries outside Africa. Traveling within Africa
has been a major bottleneck towards promotion of
tourism among countries in Africa. To travel to
West or North Africa an individual is subjected to
travel first to Europe then fly back to the
expected destination in West, North or Central
Africa. I strongly believe that Emirates daily
flights into DAR will further alleviate this
problem. Doing so will also be a catalyst in
promotion of intra-regional tourism and business as
well as enhancing inter-regional understanding and
harmony which are the major objectives of travel
and tourism."
 "My
Ministry has embarked on serious promotion of
Tanzania as a tourist destination and establishing
new markets especially in the Middle and Far East.
Emirates Air will therefore serve as a link between
Tanzania and the new markets in those countries.
The introduction of daily flights has indeed come
at the most opportune moment. It is my sincere hope
that you will also look into the possibility of
flying to Kilimanjaro International Airport, (KIA),
the gateway to the Northern Tourism Circuit."
"You will recall that Emirates Air emerged as
the premier airline in Tanzania two years ago. May
I take this opportunity though belatedly, to
congratulate. Mr. Abbas, Manager for Tanzania for
that achievement. I understand Emirates Air has a
target of 100 acquiring new aircrafts by the year
2010. May I take this opportunity to wish you every
success in your endeavors.
I will be failing in my duty if I do not
recognize the noble role played by all airlines
flying into our country. For a destination to be
worth visiting, accessibility is paramount. We
therefore count on your support in developing and
promoting tourism in our country."
For
further information, please contact:
*Mohammed
Abdul Mannan, Executive, Media Relations
Email: mmannan@dubaitourism.ae
*Shilpi Pillai, Officer, Media Relations
Email: spillai@dubaitourism.ae
Dubai
Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing
P.O. Box 594, Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Tel: +9714 2230000 Fax: +9714 2230022
Web
sites
http://www.dubaitourism.ae
http://www.uae-pages.com/tourism/entering-dubai.html
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