ARUSHA is set to host the World Tourism Day celebrations and East Africa’s premier indoor travel and tourism show by the end of this month.

The event, organized by Rethinking Tourism Africa (RTA) in collaboration with the Institute of Accountancy Arusha (IAA), will take place from September 26 to 27.

The significance of this event is underscored by the presence of a high-ranking official from UN Tourism, formerly known as UNWTO, who will preside over the proceedings.

John Saragu, RTA Coordinator, told a press conference at the weekend in Arusha that the UN-Tourism would deploy Marcel Leijzer, the Technical Cooperation Manager, to represent it to the crucial events in tourism industry.

Additionally, American celebrity Michael Ruggiero, renowned for his influential work in media and tourism, will be a major highlight.

Ruggiero’s involvement is part of his ongoing mission to produce a groundbreaking documentary aimed at elevating global awareness on Tanzanian tourism.

The documentary, tentatively titled ‘Wings Over Tanzania’ is being produced in collaboration with his partner Haley Jackson. 

Inspired by the legendary flying safaris of Osa and Martin Johnson from the late 1920s, the film is expected to be broadcast on major US television networks, promising to showcase Tanzania's rich tourism offerings on a global scale.

 Themed ‘Tourism and Peace,’ this year’s event promises to be a dynamic platform for discussing and promoting global harmony through tourism.

With nearly 600 delegates and exhibitors expected, the event is set to surpass last year’s attendance of 450.

Saragu said the exhibition space is nearly fully booked, reflecting the high level of interest and anticipation surrounding the event.

 “This event offers entrepreneurs a unique chance to interact with tourism business owners, managers, academics and key decision-makers from across the industry, all gathered in one location," he said..

The excitement surrounding the event is palpable, with stakeholders from around the world eager to attend what is being billed as the most significant indoor conference and show in the region.

Mikael Morlander, owner of a travel platform based in Copenhagen, expressed his enthusiasm:

"I am thrilled to participate in the fourth edition of this gathering in Arusha. It provides a seamless indoor platform to engage with all tourism industry stakeholders under one roof."