KARIBU-KILIFAIR 2025 OFFICIALLY OPENED IN ARUSHA – INVESTORS AND TOURISM STAKEHOLDERS URGED TO EXPAND INVESTMENTS

 

Arusha, June 6, 2025 – The International Tourism Expo, KARIBU-KILIFAIR 2025, was officially opened today at the Magereza Grounds in Kisongo, Arusha, attracting over 500 exhibitors and international buyers from more than 40 countries.

The event, running from June 6 to 8, 2025, was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, who called on investors and private sector players to increase investment in tourism services.

“This year’s theme, ‘Sustainable Tourism – Building Resilience and Innovation,’ reflects our commitment to promoting tourism that embraces proper use of resources and inclusive community participation in the sector’s success,” said Dr. Biteko.

He noted that the expo continues to grow and has become a key platform for connecting stakeholders, sharing experiences, and promoting investment.

“The presence of exhibitors from over 10 countries and more than 1,000 international buyers is a clear sign that Tanzania is increasingly recognized as a tourism hub in East Africa,” he stated.

According to Dr. Biteko, Tanzania set a new tourism record in 2024, receiving 5,360,247 visitors – 2,141,895 international and 3,218,352 domestic – generating USD 3.9 billion in revenue.

“Tourism remains a crucial pillar of our economy, contributing 17.2% to the GDP and 25% of foreign exchange earnings,” he added.

He instructed relevant ministries to continue developing new strategies for tourism products, utilizing digital platforms to market attractions, and working with other authorities to improve the tourism business environment.

“I urge private sector stakeholders to continue investing in accommodation and related services, considering the growing number of international events and the global tourism market response. The government remains committed to supporting your businesses,” he emphasized.

Dr. Biteko also praised the efforts of the event organizers, Karibu Fair Travel and Tourism, for working with tourism ministries, private sector players, and sponsors.

“These efforts align with the vision of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, who we proudly recognize as the country’s number one tourism ambassador,” he said.

He also thanked the media for their role in promoting the sector.

“In tourism, stories create images, and images attract visitors. The media plays a special role in shaping Tanzania’s image and showcasing its attractions.”

Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dustan Kitandula, also highlighted the sector’s achievements.

“In 2024 alone, tourism generated USD 3.9 billion, with 3,218,352 domestic tourists and 2,141,895 international tourists. We thank the President for her visionary leadership that has empowered this growth.”

He announced that the government has approved the construction of a major international convention center in Arusha, valued at TZS 230 billion, to strengthen the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism sector.

Arusha Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda proposed that the Magereza Grounds in Kisongo be officially designated as a permanent site for international tourism exhibitions.

“I also recommend that the event duration be extended from three to five or seven days to give more room for investors to showcase their tourism products and services,” said Makonda.

German Ambassador to Tanzania, Thomas Terstegen, emphasized his country’s continued support for tourism in East Africa.

“Tourism has created jobs and increased national income. Germany will continue supporting various tourism initiatives. Together with the East African Community, we have launched the ‘Visit East Africa, Feel the Vibe’ campaign to attract more international tourists to the region.”

East African Community Deputy Secretary General, Andrea Murietha, stated:

“We continue working closely with member states to ensure that the benefits of tourism are equitably distributed.”

Henry Kimambo, Vice Chairperson of the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO), expressed gratitude for the government’s ongoing cooperation with the private sector.

“When we have issues related to tourism, we are heard from district to national levels. We thank the government for that. Let’s work together to grow this expo so that one day it can compete with South Africa’s and become the biggest in Africa,” he said.

During a tour of exhibition booths, Dr. Biteko visited the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism pavilion, where opportunities in conservation and tourism were showcased. He also visited the energy solutions booth featuring solar-powered devices, and the RSA company pavilion.

At RSA, Harveer Bhamra briefed the Deputy Prime Minister:

“Founded in 1996, RSA Group is a leading automotive manufacturer in Tanzania, specializing in durable, high-performance 4x4 vehicles. We have a production facility in Moshi and an assembly line in Arusha.”

He added, “We are supplying military and police vehicles to Uganda and Kenya, and even Angola, Malawi, and Congo. We have a contract with Toyota Japan, enabling us to build vehicles suitable for the entire African market and even for export to Dubai.”

“Our vehicles are known for their quality, comfort, and reliability. We specialize in safari vehicles and tailor them for tourism, mining, government, and NGO use.”

Bhamra highlighted RSA’s efforts to align with sustainable practices:

• Designing Lightweight Vehicles to improve fuel efficiency by 6–8% through reduced emissions.

• Using Metal Water Bottles due to Tanzania and Kenya’s plastic ban in parks; RSA cup holders are designed to fit metal bottles perfectly.

• Reusing Metal Sheets in production to reduce waste and maximize material efficiency.

• Developing Electric Safari Vehicles to support cleaner energy alternatives and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

  
  
  

“Our headquarters are in Moshi, Kilimanjaro, with branches in Arusha and Nairobi. We’re proud to pioneer sustainable safari and commercial vehicles across Africa,” he concluded.

The KARIBU-KILIFAIR 2025 exhibition continues until June 8, aiming to boost partnerships, promote investment, and position Tanzania as a premier tourism destination in Africa.