Responsible Tourism Tanzania (RTTZ) congratulated on new standards for the ground-breaking responsible tourism certification scheme

The British High Commission looks forward to seeing the Tanzanian tourism industry go from strength to strength.

The British Charge d’Affaires Susie Kitchens hosted an evening reception on Tuesday 7th August to congratulate Responsible Tourism Tanzania (RTTZ) on the publication of its new standards and guidelines for the ground-breaking responsible tourism certification scheme. The British High Commission is pleased to have provided support for RTTZ during the development of the guidelines and looks forward to seeing the Tanzanian tourism industry go from strength to strength.

The British High Commission is pleased to have provided support for RTTZ during the development of the guidelines and looks forward to seeing the Tanzanian tourism industry go from strength to strength.

The event was attended by a range of industry professionals and Tanzanian government representatives, including lodge and accommodation providers, tour operators, the Tanzania Tourist Board, and the Tourism Confederation of Tanzania.  At the event, guests heard from Damian Bell of the Honeyguide Foundation, one of the leading minds behind RTTZ, and from Lidwien Appels of the Hotels Association of Tanzania.  All had the opportunity to discuss the new certification scheme with the RTTZ team and find out more about how their business can benefit.

The RTTZ Certification scheme offers the first Tanzania-based certification scheme aimed at helping the tourism industry to develop more sustainably, to operate responsibly and to stabilise their businesses in these uncertain global economic times.  With a strong emphasis on community development, adherence to Tanzanian Law and environmental responsibility, the guidelines have been developed in accordance with standards produced by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.   With the current focus on hotels and lodges, the scheme takes a supportive approach, providing assistance and help for businesses looking to earn certification.   The guidelines just published are for the first two levels of the scheme, known as Seed level and Sapling level.  The scheme will eventually stretch to four levels, taking the Tanzanian accommodation sector to a high standard of service to the local community, the surrounding natural environment and of course the visiting tourists.

This article was posted by the BHC on thier website: http://ukinmontserrat.fco.gov.uk/en/news/?view=News&id=799021082