The International Council of Tourism Partners announced that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism in Tanzania, Africa, has become a destination member.

Tanzania's tourism has seen steady growth and currently contributes over 16 percent of the national GDP.

Professor Geoffrey Lipman, President of ICTP, said: "The addition of Tanzania as an ICTP member adds strength to our growing African membership. It also brings into play a country where the wonders of nature in the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro blend with the exotic spice traditions and architecture of the island state of Zanzibar. This is the very essence of the ecotourism experience that will build the green growth future."

Tanzania's Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism is responsible for conservation of natural and cultural resources as well as the development of tourism. The importance of Tanzania's natural and cultural resources lies in the biological value of the species and habitats and cultural sites of the country, as well as the socio-economic and cultural value of the resources and its contribution to the sustainable development of the country. These resources are the cornerstone for its tourism industry.

Chairman of ICTP, Juergen T. Steinmetz, said: "It is the vision of the tourism ministry to provide sustainable conservation of Tanzania's natural and cultural resources, along with the development of responsible tourism. ICTP is pleased to build this alliance with Tanzania's green philosophy for sustainable tourism growth."

The tourism ministry is charged with the task of ensuring sustainable conservation along with the development of tourism industry by promoting and enhancing participation of different stakeholders.

ABOUT ICTP

The International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP) is a new grassroots travel and tourism coalition of global destinations committed to quality service and green growth. The ICTP logo represents the strength in collaboration (the block) of many small communities (the lines) committed to sustainable oceans (blue) and land (green).

ICTP engages communities and their stakeholders to share quality and green opportunities including tools and resources, access to funding, education, and marketing support. ICTP advocates sustainable aviation growth, streamlined travel formalities, and fair coherent taxation.