Tanzania’s immigration offers seamless services with new backup system

Cutting-edge power backup system will guarantee seamless clearance services at Kilimanjaro International Airport

A key driver of a multi-billion-dollar tourism industry in Tanzania has offered a cutting-edge power backup system worth more than $15,000 to immigration department to guarantee seamless clearance services at Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Idea behind the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) to step up support is to complement the government efforts to create seamless, secure and efficient immigration services for tourists and other travelers at KIA.

KIA, straddles in the middle of Tanzania’s northern tourism circuit, is the country’s strategic gateway for close to 80% of 1.5 million tourists visiting annually and leaving behind $2.6 billion as well as a large chunk of horticultural crops export and other cargos.

“No more blackouts at immigration department at Kilimanjaro International Airport – as TATO members have installed a cutting-edge power backup system with capacity to supply electricity for 10-hour non-stop incase of power interruption” said TATO chairman, Wilbard Chambulo.

He added: “We, TATO members, have resolved to donate the modern power backup system to run all immigration systems that sometimes were off due to power blackout in our latest initiative to join the government hand to create seamless, secure and efficient immigration services for tourists and other travelers at KIA. We want to offer end-to-end travel experiences in Tanzania,”

TATO Board member, Ms Fransica Masika said the association has always been willing to go the extra mile in complimenting the government’s efforts in developing the country.

“Deep inside we are committed to build our very own country for we certainly know that no one will come from nowhere to develop our nation on our behalf” Ms Masika explained.

She commended immigration department for being efficient and effective institution in providing high quality immigration services that conform to both national and international standards, in all entry points, saying that the move raises the profile of Tanzania high.

“I’m very proud of immigration department for a job well done. You have really revolutionized our passport and it is now recognized internationally. Last time, I was in Europe to promote a Tanzania tourism destination, where my state-of-the-art passport was just scanned, leaving others behind” Ms Masika noted.

Receiving the power backup system, the immigration commissioner general, Dr. Anna Makakala thanked TATO members for their support, as it will go a long way to enhance the immigration services, particularly this time where all services have gone online.

“I can’t thank the TATO members enough for identifying the challenge facing the immigration department and creating solution. I’m so humbled and proud of you, as your power backup system will play a pivotal role in ensuring immigration offers seamless e-services” Dr. Makakala said.

She said that the TATO support would help the immigration to better serve the influx of travellers, thanks to the President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s initiative through the Royal Tour Film.

Indeed, Tanzania’s Royal Tour film content, its strategic premiere USA market and timing have started paying dividends in terms of commanding significant traffic of tourists.

Produced by Peter Greenberg, the maiden film featuring President Dr. Samia, as his key guide—showcasing Tanzania’s rich cultural, wildlife heritage and array of investment opportunities through her leadership eye, was launched in New York, U.S on April 18, 2022.

What makes the “Royal tour” series different from most tourism-related programing is that, aside from presenting an informal and personal side of a leader, it presents a 360-degree view of a Tanzania, the home of number one Safari destination in the World, housing four of the most coveted adventure hotspots on earth: the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, and Ngorongoro Crater compounded by the kindhearted people of Tanzania.

Immigration chief implored other stakeholders to emulate the TATO spirit, if the country is to achieve the development targets.

The Chief Executive Officer for Kilimanjaro Airports Development Company (KADCO) that runs KIA, Ms Christine Mwakatobe cited the working rapport between TATO and immigration department as epitome of collaboration and cooperation that accomplishes great goals.