তানজানিয়া অ্যাসোসিয়েশন অফ ট্যুর অপারেটরস (TATO) বোর্ডের সদস্য হিসাবে কাজ করার জন্য একজন উচ্চ-প্রোফাইল হোটেল ব্যবসায়ী মিঃ নিকোলাস কোনিগকে বেছে নিয়েছে।
TATO members overwhelmingly voted him during the just ended Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Tanzania’s northern safari capital of Arusha.
Mr. Nicolas, who is currently the Gran Melia Cluster Manager in Arusha and Zanzibar, brings a vast experience in handling the sophisticated needs of operators, owners, government relations and luxury customers.
“I’m proud and honored indeed to be given this opportunity to serve TATO as a board member. I appreciate your confidence in me to do what is in the best interest to this strong and powerful organization. I look forward to collaborate with all TATO members,” he said.
Successful strategist in business development, marketing, branding, administrator and networker, Mr. Nicolas is credited to have strong contacts with travel agents, travel operators and buyers.
He has travelled across the world to developed and manages new projects in Asia, Indian Ocean, Middle East and Africa.
“As we envisage to grow and serve our members and tourism industry better, we saw the need to take on board knowledgeable players of Mr. Nicolas caliber” said TATO CEO, Mr. Sirili Akko.
Established in 1983, TATO with 35 members, thanks to its efficiency in representing private tour operators to the government, the membership base has grown by leaps and bounds over the years, reaching 300-plus members to-date.
This is equivalent to 78.48 percent of the total licensed tour operators in Tanzania. The Association is the Government recognized tour operator’s representative.
In Tanzania, tour operators enjoy a conducive business environment as TATO represents a collective voice for private tour operators in lobbying and advocate towards the common goal of improving the business climate, through friendly policies.
The organization also offers its members various training on key issues such as tourism marketing trends, labor laws, tax compliance, corporate social responsibility, cyber laws, and conservation, among others.
TATO provides unparalleled networking opportunities, allowing individuals tour operators or companies to connect with their peers, mentors, and other industry leaders and policymakers like President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Ministers, Permanent secretaries, Director General for Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) Conservator for Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA), Chief Park Wardens, among others.
As a member, one is in the unique position to attend conventions, seminars, award galas, and other related events with like-minded professionals in the field.
These events are attended by the brightest minds and are a hotbed of ideas and collaborative efforts.
An association’s annual General meeting represents an incredible opportunity for members to meet and network with the largest gathering of their peers during the year.
TATO members get updates on all issues on tourism and related industries by providing resources, information, and opportunities they might not have had otherwise.
However, in order to improve the tourism destination and to remain competitive in the international tourism markets, TATO ensures it improves customer care, diversifies the tourism products, enhances of safety and security, supports conservation drive and improves infrastructures – such roads and trails within the national parks.
