Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) has called upon the government to establish a special police unit for the tourism sector.

TATO executive secretary Mustapha Akunaay said while speaking after a stakeholders meeting in Arusha, “incidents of tourists being robbed or mugged tarnished the image of the country and can cost the sector dearly in the long run.”

Mr Akunaay said there was need to assure visitors of security. He said the tourist police unit would protect tourists on Tanzania safaris, tour facilities as well as contain crime near the sites popular with the visitors.

“Since the sector is much dependent on the foreign visitors, security of tourists and tourist facilities should be accorded higher priority,” he pointed out.

He also said TATO had hired a consultant to work on how security can be improved in the sector through establishment of a special police unit.

Many countries, including Kenya, have formed tourist police units to contain all types of crimes in their tourism sectors.

By Jean,

Africa Safari & Travel News