Musoma

Seems like the United Kingdom, for Aug 21, 2006, seem to be more active (percentage based) on MusomaBlog, than the rest of the world. I am hoping that slowly but surely the UK and Canada are neck and neck in numbers with more active participation by folks in Tanzania, Botswana and India.

 

 

These are some more pictures from the pictures that Dr Manjul Vasant had forwarded to me. Having been a mere toddler back in Musoma, I honestly do not remember most of our Musoma’s geography.  But always found it interesting to hear all the old tales connected with people, places and events connected with Musoma.

For now, hope all of you enjoy these pictures.

 

All above photographs from: Dr Manjul Vasant

The recent posts regarding the Grumeti Reserves and the extent of hold it appears to have on the luxury tourism section of Safari Tourism does compliment the following bit of news dated back to a July 24 issue of ‘The East African’ newspaper.

The idea and proposal is all of common sense and can only benefit the three countries that make up the East African Community (EAC) – Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Musomians will remember the ‘old days’ when East Africa was East Africa and not Kenya, Tanzania or Uganda! I remember the East African Airways’ good old Dakotas, which provided an excellent service connecting the lands by air.

A single tourist visa that allows for travel to any of the three countries is expected to be reality. Especially with the pressure the World Tourism Industry seems to applying on the concerned governments and their travel and immigration department, in order to try and get this proposal approved and in place by the November 2006, World Trade Market (WTM) Fair  in London. The need for three different visas and treks to three different consulates or embassies is seen to be a stumbling block, removal of which will facilitate a substantial increase in tourism traffic to East Africa.

For most Musomians, this would be a welcome change in visa policy. Most Musomians who have the opportunity to travel back to East Africa, have Nairobi, Kenya also included in their itinerary. One less consulate/embassy to apply for a visa to.

News article from: The East African
Dated: July 24, 2006
For full article click this link: Single East African visa for tourists coming in November

….If approved, the visa will be binding on the three partner states of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania…..

….It followed an appeal by tourist boards of the partner states for a common visa to accelerate promotion of the region as a single tourist destination….

….Under the proposal, the new East African tourist visa can be issued by any partner state’s embassy…..

….The move would also enhance travel by residents within East Africa and contribute to domestic travel in the region. The common tourist visa is geared towards contributing to sustainable development of the region,” said the EAC source….

On the back of this there does seem to be some issues with regards to the autonomous state of Zanzibar’s position and status within the East African Community.

For now, I presume, the World Tourist businesses and organisations just need to have this proposal approved and in place by November 2006.