By The Arusha News Reporter
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism has directed tour operators to step up awareness information to visitors on the law regarding strict prohibition against ownership of wildlife trophies and wildlife-derived products, following recurring cases of tourists being intercepted at exit points in possession of illegal items.
In a recent letter with reference KA.375/416/01/B/85, addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO), Tanzania Wildlife Authority (TAWA) said such incidents continued to be recorded despite existing regulations governing wildlife protection.
“The authority respectfully requests TATO to communicate with its member tour operators, advising them to clearly inform their clients about the strict prohibition and legal consequences related to the purchase, possession and export of wildlife trophies and wildlife-derived products,” the letter stated.
TAWA emphasised that the purchase, possession, or export of wildlife trophies and wildlife-derived products without proper authorisation was illegal and carried serious legal consequences. The Authority instructed tour operators to clearly inform tourists of these restrictions before arrival, during travel and prior to departure.
TATO Executive Director, Elirehema Maturo, told The Arusha News that they were working closely with government institutions to disseminate accurate information on wildlife laws, noting that licensed tour operators are expected to brief clients on prohibited items, legal requirements and conservation responsibilities as part of standard operating procedures.
As part of compliance measures, the association supports training programmes for tour guides, drivers and other frontline tourism professionals to equip them with the knowledge required to educate visitors on conservation laws and acceptable tourist conduct in protected areas.
Arusha, which serves as Tanzania’s main safari gateway and hosts the largest concentration of tour operators, remains central to the implementation of these awareness efforts, given the big numbers of safari visitors passing through the region.
