India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: With a 25 percent rise in Indians going abroad, suddenly they are being wooed the world over. After Europeans and Americans, Indians are becoming one of the most sought after tourists. Last week south-west African country Tanzania held out its attractions for Indian tourists. Tanzania Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism Shamsa Selengia Mwangunga listed attractions like wildlife, beaches, safaris, craters etc while addressing a press conference at New Delhi’s Le Meridian hotel. Mwangunga said “Tanzania had a great deed to offer, like- wild life, mountain chains, culture, tourism.

We have the privilege to show to the world seven historical sites. One reason why I want to invite Indians is because we have Indians living in Tanzania from fourteenth century and as now India is the emerging economy we want to open our arms to them. Followed by Islam and Christianity, Hinduism is widely followed in Tanzania. Indians are our brothers.”

She said that Tanzania is the most famous wildlife destination. “It has the highest free standing mountain in the world- Mount Kilimanjaro, white sand beaches are the best view, canoeing and other water sports are provided in safe water bodies. Other then jeep safaris, walking safaris are also available. And is it safe? Yes it is! For sports fishing they have the largest fresh water lake.

”The tourism minister was heading an 11-member trade delegation comprising tour operators, members of the hospitality industry and representatives of national parksShamsa said “by approaching Indians we want to tell that Americans and Europeans are not the only travelers. India is an emerging economy. We want to open opportunities to them.”Traveling from USA is also easy. Catch a flight to Amsterdam and from there land in Dar Es salaam. And while visiting Tanzania you can also visit other neighboring countries as well.

It depends on what package to take.Last year 15000 Indian tourists visited Tanzania and in future they are expecting much more. As for costs, $2,200 (Rs.95, 000) will get a week’s holiday in Tanzania, inclusive of return airfare on the Mumbai-Dar-es-Salaam.Keeping in mind the Indian sentiments Executive Director of Cordial Tours and Travels Services Ltd Anthony kizito said “Tanzania is a very hospitable country. Just like India we have many religions living together since centuries and we have no discrimination at all.”