Agents in Kilimanjaro Region Demand Immediate Cancellation of KPAP

Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) agents are calling on the Tanzanian government to dissolve the organization, as it is damaging the tourism industry in the region.

According to the agents, KPAP is spreading “dirty propaganda” about their service to porters out of dishonesty and neglect, claims they vehemently deny.

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Earlier this year, KPAP published a list of approximately 45 tourism companies on its website that it deemed provide quality services to visitors and porters, prompting agents to question its authority.

According to Matata Tours director, the institution destroys the tourism industry, which pays taxes to the government and provides jobs to hundreds of porters and guides. In order to determine the legitimacy of KPAP, he called for a review of its constitution and registration. In Omari’s words, “This is a project; you cannot force people to become members.”. Visitors should not be told not to use companies that are not members of KPAP.”

As tourists increasingly inquire about their KPAP membership before booking trips, this situation has put agents in a difficult position. The documentation from guest communications indicates that some guests are canceling their plans if the agents are not affiliated with KPAP. Here is an example of such correspondence:

“We are a group of five to seven people looking for options for climbing Kili on July 2022. Could you please let me know what is included and excluded in your rates? You’re a member of KPAP, right? ”

Agents claim that KPAP’s influence has caused a significant decline in business, with one agent reporting the loss of 10 clients as a result of non-membership. It resulted in the loss of 45 jobs, including those for guides, cooks, waiters, and porters. TANAPA is also said to have lost approximately $8,350 in park fees as a result of the incident.

There is a wider economic impact than just the agents; local markets and businesses rely on tourism as well. In the event that every guest refuses to climb the mountain with a company that is not part of KPAP, what do you think will happen to the tourism industry? ” one agent questioned.

As a result, many tourism offices may close without government intervention, resulting in widespread unemployment in the industry, the agents urge.

The Kilimanjaro National Park leadership and TANAPA have begun to address the agents’ complaints. It has been assigned to Nurdin Babu, the Kilimanjaro regional head, to gather information regarding KPAP’s authority to select foreign agents. Further clarification will be sought from the Kilimanjaro Regional Secretary, who has requested additional time for investigation.

Attempts to contact Ambassador Pindi Chana, Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, were unsuccessful, as she was in parliament and later did not respond.

In the Kilimanjaro region, the ongoing dispute highlights the growing tensions within the tourism sector.