How coronavirus has impacted small travel outfits: a chat with local expert Inge in Tanzania
21.07.2023 - 08:32
/ roughguides.com
We know that the corona crisis has had a massive impact on the tourist industry, but what about the small, independent businesses that make travel meaningful? Safari travel, for instance, has dropped off completely and – with unpaid salaries and inundated emergency services – it’s sadly been accompanied by a rise in poaching. To get a clearer picture, we spoke to our local expert Inge, who works for a tour company based in Tanzania, offering specialized safari trips in Africa. We have partnered with Inge and her tour operator for years now, offering tailor-made trips across Africa: from Ethiopia over Rwanda to South Africa, Inge and her team are ready to plan, book, and execute your Africa trip – when travel is safe again, of course.
Inge, our local expert based in Tanzania © Shadows of Africa
Q: What restrictions are currently in operation in Tanzania and the other East African countries where you operate?
A: All East African countries have closed their borders, so at the moment we are not receiving any international visitors at all.
Q: How has Covid-19 affected Shadows of Africa as a company and your operations “on the ground”?
A: Becausewe are not currently receiving any visitors, we are trying to make the best of the situation by focusing on training and some long overdue back-of-house work. We’ve been fixing our website, developing new itineraries, training our guides via WhatsApp and so forth. Although this time is not going to waste, we really can’t wait to welcome guests back again.
Q: What has been the impact on the safari industry in general?
A: In general the impact has been devastating. Tourism has completely disappeared and there is no real answer as to when it will start up again.
Cheetahs resting on the rock in the Serengeti, Tanzania © Shutterstock
Q: What impact has this had on the local communities that are employed? How many locals do the parks and the safari companies employ?
A: Tourism contributes roughly twenty percent of the overall economy of Tanzania, where about 15 percent of the population works directly in the tourism sector. This percentage does not include the secondary jobs – the mechanics that work on the car maintenance, the shops selling safari clothes etc. Unlike in the European Union or in the US, the state is not providing any support to the private sector. Most companies have had to take the tough decision to put their teams on unpaid leave, which of course will have great personal consequences.
Q: How will social distancing impact safari companies and their operations “on the ground” when travel begins again? Are there any limitations that travellers may have to expect for a while when coming on a safari?
A: The bright side for the safari industry is that there is