The extent to which Tanzanian tour operators apply sustainable practices as outlined in the national tourism policy

Abstract

Based largely on wildlife and natural attractions, Tanzanian tourism has become one of the mainstays of the national economy. Within the tourism sector, the role of tour operators involved in safari style game drives cannot be underestimated. Visits to Ngorogoro crater, Mount Kilimandjaro and the Serengeti plains have become synonymous with Tanzanian tourism. This article focuses on the role of tour operators in Tanzania and explores the extent to which they apply sustainable tourism practices in order to comply with the national tourism policy. Results indicate that although most tour operators support the national sustainable tourism policies, they generally regard financial gains as their highest priority while the implementation of environmental and social objectives is considered to be of lesser importance. This is especially true of community involvement.

Keywords: Tour operators, national sustainable tourism policies, community involvement, Tanzanian.