Tanzanian tour operators build new lounge at Kilimanjaro airport to ensure social distancing

Tour operators in Tanzania have unveiled a private, state-of-the-art, waiting lounge at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) as they seek to offer holidaymakers “a hassle-free welcome”.

Tanzanian authorities have reopened its skies for international passenger flights from June 1, 2020, becoming the first country in the East African community to welcome tourists.

Isack Kamwelwe, the Minister for Works, Transport and Communications, said in a statement that business, humanitarian, diplomatic, emergency and other special flights were allowed to land, take off and fly across the country’s skies as it was before.

He said the opening of the skies followed an announcement by President John Magufuli that the number of COVID-19 infections has been dropping citing statistics from health centres treating COVID-19 patients across the country.

The waiting lounge, a brainchild of Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO), will offer the tourists, tour guides and drivers a comfort zone and keep distance in the advent of COVID-19 pandemic.

The lounge offers tourists and tour guides certain comforts beyond those afforded in the airport terminal itself, such as more comfortable seating, quite environment and often better access to customer service representatives.