TANZANIA ASSOCIATION OF TOUR OPERATORS (TATO)
MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT TATO OFFICE
ON 1st AUGUST, 2013.
PRESENT
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Mr. Wilbard Chambulo
Mr. Peter Lindstrom
Mrs Vesna Glamocanin Tibaijuka
Mr. Hussein N. Hussein
Mr. Zuher Fazal
Mrs.Maria Strauss
Ms Rahma Adam
Mr. Alex Lemunge
Mr. David Kizito
Mr. Mustapha Akunaay
-
Chairman
-
Management Staff
Management Staff/Secretary
Vice Chairman
Treasurer
Councillor
Councillor
Councillor
Councillor
Councillor
Councillor
E/Secretary
SECRETARIAT
1.
2.
Mr. Sirili Akko
Mrs E.H. Urio
MIN. 1.0 OPENING OF THE MEETING
The Chairman welcomed members present and called the meeting to order at
9.35 a.m.
MIN 2:
APOLOGY FOR ABSENCE
1. Mr. Sam Diah
MIN. 3.0
-
Councillor
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
The following agenda were adopted:
AGENDA
1. Opening of the Meeting
2. Apologies for Absence
3. Adoption of the Agenda
4. Confirmation of the Minutes of the Meeting held on 25th April, 2013
5. Matters arising there from.
6. Secretary's Report
7. Treasurer's Report
8. Appointing Bank Accounts Signatories
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9. Appointment of Sub-Committees Chairpersons
10. Appointment of the Board of Trustees
11. Any Other Business
11.1. Double entry at NCA
11.2. Wildlife Regulation 2008
11.3 EAC Tourism and Wildlife Management Preparatory Meeting
11.4. World Animal Day
12. Dates of the next Council Meetings
13. Closing of the Meeting.
MIN. 4.0
CONFIRMED:
& SIGNED
CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 25th April, 2013 were Confirmed
and Signed after making the following correction:
Min.6.7.1. (iii) : A word “putty” to read “put”.
PART ONE: MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF 25.04.2013 MEETING
MIN. 5.1
COUNCIL ORIENTATION SEMINAR (MIN. 5.1)
REPORTED: That the Seminar was held on 25th July, 2013. It was attended by 10
Councillors. They found the seminar very useful and educative.
MIN.5.2.
CONFIRMATION OF SIRILI AKKO TO THE POST OF EXECUTIVE
SECRETARY (MIN. 5.3)
DECIDED:
The Council after receiving and considering in depth the six months performance
report of Sirili Akko, the Executive Secretary Training decided:
MIN.5.3.

To defer to fill the post of the Executive Secretary and consider use Mr.
Akunaay on annual retainer basis until such time it is decided otherwise.

Mr. Akunaay was asked to give his terms, conditions including remuneration
package for Council consideration.

The Chairman was requested to meet Mr. Akunaay to discuss the issue of his
retainer and general TATO administration.
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT LEVY (MIN.6.1)
RESOLVED: On the issue of the Tourism Development Levy it was resolved that Letters be
written to Director of Tourism, and the Commissioner for Domestic Revenue,
informing that TATO Members wish to observe the law but they are unclear of
modalities of implementation.
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AGREED:
That when writing crucial letters with widely shared concerns the Management
should share with the Chairperson so as to make sure that the contents of the letter
reflects the needs of Tour Operators from practical point of view.
AGREED:
FURTHER
That when Management Staff is attending crucial meetings if necessity arise may
be accompanied by Chairman/Council Member to reinforce the delegation.
MIN. 6.0
SECRETARY’S REPORT
MIN. 6.1
MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTION PAYMENT 2013
NOTED:
That as on 29th July 2013, membership stood at 280 (including 12 new members).
All have paid their 2013 Annual Subscription Fees.
NOTED
That E-mail to forfeit the unpaid up TATO membership was sent out on 2nd July,
FURTHER 2013.
MIN. 6.2
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
GRANTED: Membership application of the following companies were granted:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(x)
(xi)
Kibo Expeditions Charitable Company Ltd
Nasera African Safaris Ltd.
Azania Bush Safaris Ltd
Snow Africa Adventures Ltd
Paradies Safaris Ltd
AAA Express Adventure Ltd
Arumeru Guides Tanzania Ltd
Aika Safaris Ltd.
Tanzania Outdoor Adventure (T) Co. Ltd
Tanganyika Wilderness Camps Ltd
Safari Big 5
MIN. 6.3
TRAININGS
MIN. 6.3.1.
CUSTOMER CARE & COMPLAINT MANAGEMENT TRAINING FOR
DRIVER GUIDES AND TANAPA GATES CLERKS
INFORMED: That the training was conducted with a financial support from the CRDB Bank; it
was the continuation of the similar training conducted in the year 2012 with the
purpose of improving the quality of services offered by the two parties. This
training was conducted for two days on 9th and 10th May 2013 at the Snow Crest
Hotel and was attended by 307 participants. The following topics were covered:
(i)
Hospitality customer care and complaint management.
(ii)
Entrepreneurial skills demonstration.
(iii) Tourism, events and customer psychology.
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MIN. 6.3.2
MARKETING SEMINAR FOR TATO MEMBERS
NOTED:
That the Seminar was held at the Kibo Palace Hotel on 28th May 2013 and was
attended by eight three (83) participants.
The seminar was organized basing on the results from the Training Needs
Assessment done by the TATO Secretariat. The Association organized a one full
day Marketing Seminar targeting Directors/Managers of its member companies.
The first Session of this seminar was on the use of Modern Science and
Technology in Tourism marketing (Social Media Marketing strategies etc). This
session was facilitated by the experts from The Nelson Mandela African Institute
of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) who were recommended by UNESCO.
The second session was on other Marketing Strategies apart from social Medias
for targeting specific tourism market ‘niche’ (age group, income, location etc)
This session was facilitated by different marketing gurus among our members
who shared their marketing experiences and expertise with other members.
MIN. 6.3.3. FIRST IMPRESSION CUSTOMER CARE TRAINING FOR
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WORKING AT COUNTRY’S ENTRY
POINTS
NOTED:
That with a financial support from Tanzania Private Sector Foundation through its
Cluster Competitiveness Program, TATO organized a customer care training for
public officials working at the country’s entry points with the aim of improving
the standard of services being offered by these officials.
The training was held on 4th and 6th June, 2013 in Arusha and Dar es Salaam
respectively. The training was planned to involve public officials working in the
departments of Immigration, Customs, Health and Security. The training
conducted in Arusha involved participants from Kilimanjaro International
Airport, Arusha Airport and Namanga Boarder Entry. The session held in Dar es
Salaam involved participants from Julius Nyerere International Airport and
Amani Abeid Karume International Airport in Zanzibar.
Topics covered during these sessions were as follows;
1. Tourism Culture and Customer Psychology
2. Excellence in Customer Services
3. Body Language and Listening Skills
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4. Diplomacy and image salesmanship
MIN. 6. 4.0.
MEETING REPORTS
MIN.6.4.1.
TANZANIA BUSINESS LEADERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF THE
INVESTMENT CLIMATE IN TANZANIA.
NOTED:
That the inauguration of the Tanzania Business Leaders’ Perceptions of the
investment climate in Tanzania Report was done on July 11th 2013 in Dar es
salaam at Karimjee Hall, a discussion was held on factors hindering the growth
and prosperity of Private Sector in Tanzania. TATO Executive Officer was one of
the panelists.
The factors mentioned in the report which makes difficulty in making business in
Tanzania include Power, Level of Taxation, Corruption, and Tax Administration.
Report was circulated to all TATO members.
MIN. 6. 4.3.
ARUSHA REGIONAL CONSULTATIVE MEETING
NOTED:
That the Regional Consultative meeting was held on 16th July at Olasiti Garden
under Chairmanship of the Regional Commissioner. The meeting deliberated
cross cutting issues which affect Arusha region at large. The main interest was
the security situation. The Government assured that for the welfare of people and
tourism business culprits who did evil and coward activity of bombing church and
political rally will be brought to books for justice. The meeting was attended by
Executive Officer of TATO.
MIN.6. 5.0
2013 MEMBERS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
NOTED:
That the meeting was held as planned and was attended by 97 members. Mr.
Wilbard Chambulo and Mr. Zuher Fazal were appointed to join the ongoing
Council as Chairman and Councilor respectively.
MIN. 6. 5.1
2012 TATO ANNUAL AUDITED ACCOUNTS
REPORTD: That during the Annual General Meeting it was agreed that Council reconsider
the budgeting procedure regarding dependency on donor money as it has proved
unreliable.
RESOLVES: That as from 2014 no Donor funds will be included in the budget.
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MIN.6.6.0
TATO STRATEGIC PLAN
MIN. 6.6.1
EVALUATION OF TATO STRATEGIC PLAN
REPORTED: That Capacity Building Leadership Institute has been ear marked to evaluate the
Strategic Plan.
AGREED:
That on the remaining months the Association address the following:1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Evaluation of the Current Plan
Development of the New Strategic Plan
Implementation of Council Resolutions
Value Added Tax in Tourism Industry
To lobby for tourism to be listed as an export sector so that automatically it
falls under VAT exemption
6. Constitution re- evaluated to see if it is meeting the current members’ needs.
RESOLVED: That:
 Capacity Building Leadership Institute has been agreed to carry out the
work of evaluation of Strategic Plan. The cost of doing the work to be
submitted for approval before signing the contract.
MIN. 6.6.2.
VALUE ADDED TAX EXEMPTION
RESOLVED
FURTHER:
TATO organize a meeting of Tourism Institutions i.e. TANAPA, NCAA
and Air Charter Services to form a coalition committee which will lobby the
Government so that VAT exemption will be waived completely.
PROPOSED:
That a Consultant be engaged to prepare document to be used for lobbying and
the Executive Secretary was directed for make sure that the work starts within
two weeks.
AGREED:
That funds for lobbying will be raised from coalition institutions and willing
TATO members.
AGREED:
FURTHER
That workshop to educate Members of Parliament on impact of VAT and
nuisance taxes on Tourism be organized.
MIN.7.0
FINANCIAL REPORT
MIN. 7.1
BANK BALANCE
NOTED:
1. Total collection for 2013 as at 23rd July..............US $ 134,574
2. Total Expenditure as at 30th June, 2013.........TShs. 111,348,710.04
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3. Bank Balance as at 31/7/2013 stands as follows:
Foreign Currency A/C......................................US $ 49,995.03
Fixed Deposit A/C............................................US $117,405.88
Total.................................................................US $167,400.91
Local A/C............................................................TShs. 11,639,747.53
MIN. 7.2.
INCOME AND EXPENDITRE STATEMENT , 1ST JAN – 30TH JUNE 2013
TABLED:
The Treasurer tabled report of Income and Expenditure for the period 1st January
to 30th June, 2013.
RESOLVED: The following was resolved:




MIN. 7.3.
Expenditure should be done according to budget within the year.
To educate members on the value of being TATO member and pay their
subscription
Review the category of members also to be listed categorically at the
Website.
TATO member to submit copy of TALA before payment of subscription.
STAFF AIR TICKETS AND ACCOMMODATION
PROPOSED: That in order to get reduced price from Airlines and Hotels accommodation
agreement be made so that they can make bookings for TATO staff when
travelling on duty.
VOLUNTEERED: Leopard Tours volunteered to arrange transport to and from the Airports for
TATO Staff. The company further volunteered to provide conference/meetings
recording devices to ease workload from the staff.
MIN. 7.4.
TATO STICKERS
AGREED:
To be printed yearly with different colours.
AGREED:
FURTHER
That to be sold instead of being given for free.
MIN. 8.0
BANK SIGINATORIES
INFORMED: That TATO Chairman Mr. Wilbard Chambulo be introduced as signatory.
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MIN. 9.0
COUNCIL SUB-COMMITTEES CHAIRPERSONS
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
MIN. 10.0
Manpower Development and Training - Mr. Peter Lindstrom
National Parks, Conservation Areas & Reserves – Mr. Sam Diah
Mountain Climbing - Mr. Alex Lemunge
Public Relations and Technical Committee - Mr. Zuher Fazal
- It was agreed that when doing Public Relations one of the Management
Staff should accompany the Chairman of the Sub-committee.
APPOINTMENT OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES
RETAINED: The current Board of Trustees was retained at their discretion.
MIN. 11.0
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
MIN. 11.1
24 HOURS AT NCAA
AGREED:
That official minutes of Minister’s meeting which discussed on NCAA double
entry be requested from the Ministry for further follow up.
AGREED:
FURTHER
MIN. 11.2
That TATO staff and few Council Members (namely Messrs
Wilbard Chambullo, Zuher Fazal, Mustapha Akunaay, Sam Diah, and Sirili
Akko) to visit the NCA to make a follow up on ascending road situation, leopard
tours to provide a transport.
WILDLIFE REGULATION 2008
INFORMED: That the Ministry is on the process of amending the Regulation so they called
upon the private sector to incorporate their concerns into the amended version of
Wildlife Regulations.
That official minutes of the meeting held on 31th July, 2013 are yet to be received from
The Wildlife Division.
MIN.11.3
EAC TOURISM AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT PREPARATORY
MEETING
REPORTED: That tripartite sector al Council on Tourism and Wildlife Management (Kenya,
Uganda and Tanzania) meeting will be held on 19-22 August, 2013. The attached
issues are amongst few to be discussed at the meeting.
AGREED:
That Bilateral agreement made between Kenya and Tanzania be maintained Kenya vehicle not allowed in Tanzania National Park operations.
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MIN. 11.4.
WORLD ANIMAL DAY
INFORMED: That there will be an International peaceful march for Elephants on 4th October,
2013 which will be done in many major cities around the world i.e. Cape Town,
London, Edinburgh, Lost Angeles, Melbourne, Munich, Nairobi, New York City,
Rome. San Francisco, Toronto, Washington DC etc. More countries from Africa
need to be included to raise awareness about poaching.
AGREED:
That a peaceful match be organized by TATO involving members and all other
well wishers. Mrs Vesna Glamocanin Tibaijuka was appointed the Chairlady.
MIN.11.5
APPOINTMENT OF ASSOCIATION LEGAL ADVISOR
DECIDED:
The Council decided the Association to have a Legal advisor on retainer basis.
MIN. 12.0
DATES OF THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING
AGREED:
12th September, 2013.
MIN. 13.0
CLOSING OF THE MEETING
The Chairman adjourned the meeting at 1.30 p.m.
......................
CHAIRMAN
........................
SECRETARY
..............
DATE
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