Karibu: East Africa’s largest tourism fair takes place in Arusha, Tanzania

Now in its 11th year, Tanzania’s Karibu Travel and Tourism Fair is the largest and most ambitious travel industry event in East Africa.

As such, it has become “the place to meet,” for the region’s travel industry partners from around the world. The 2010 Karibu Fair, which will take place June 4-6, promises to be the largest ever. The Karibu Fair takes place just outside of Arusha, Tanzania’s safari capital. The annual event is organized by the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO), Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (MNRT).

According to Amant Macha, TTB’s Acting Managing Director, “Tanzania is very proud that the Karibu Fair, that started as a modest initiative, has evolved into a major travel industry showcase for all the East African destinations."

Part of the uniqueness and excitement of The Karibu Travel and Tourism Fair is that it is an outdoor event that offers a real safari experience. Over 250 exhibitors and thousands of regional and international visitors are expected to attend the 2010 Fair, which is open to the trade on June 4th and the public on June 5th and 6th. Travel industry suppliers, large and small, including Tour Operators, tourist boards, hoteliers, and support service representatives and equipment manufacturers are typical participants. International travel trade journalists regularly cover the event along with local media, and "familiarization trips" are being offered to encourage international travel agents to attend.

James Haigh, Sales and Marketing Manager, Singita Grumeti Reserves in Tanzania, in speaking about the Karibu Fair commented ”I go to the Karibu Fair because I have found that it is the one event where one can meet all the major players, buyers and suppliers, in the East African tourism industry."

Macha added “Since America continues to be Tanzania’s number one source market for tourists, we are making a special effort to attract more travel agents from the US market. There are currently over 1400 qualified Tanzania Travel Agent Specialists in the US, and we hope to encourage them to participate by offering special pre and post safaris.”