Tanzanian tourism boosted by IBM volunteer programs

Produced by collaboration from the Tanzania Association of Tour operators and IBM Corporate Service Corps volunteers, the new www.tatotz.org aims to benefit Tanzanian tourism and visitors alike.

Equipped with a new search engine, travellers and tour agencies have the opportunity to identify and contact local operators, which are also rated by website users on a range of criteria.

The new website will allow travellers from all over the world to request quotes from local operators, whether they intend to undertake a Kilimanjaro hike, a safari in the Serengeti, a beach getaway in Zanzibar or a cultural tour of the capital city.

The IBM teams of volunteers, from the United States, Japan, Israel, Germany and Hungary, provided support for information management, preparing and implementing communications plans, and assisted in building a new website with the database of tour operators.

Teams also assisted the Tanzanians in their provision of online training materials, education programs for small and medium sized travel enterprises, and further expertise with regard to IT engineering, software research, business development and marketing communications.

"TATO is striving to grow its members' business,” stated Mustapha Akunaay, Executive Secretary, Tanzania Association of Tour operators. “Thanks to IBM volunteers, we are able to launch a new website and implement a consistent communications program.”

“Our member organizations are getting more visibility and significantly expanding their word of mouth advertising,” he continued.

“This website provides a one-stop shop for all travel needs.”

Other activities undertaken by IBM volunteers in Tanzania included partnership with the African Wildlife Foundation, developing business models to promote sustainable and ecological tourism.
"These projects in Tanzania truly show the potential of IBM's Corporate Service Corps program in terms of being able to help developing countries while encouraging employees to build new skills," said Mark Harris, General Manager, IBM Sub Saharan Africa.