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TANZANIA (eTN) - To ensure security and diplomatic support to foreign visitors and tourists visiting Tanzania, the Tanzania Police Force has established a special unit charged to take care of the safety requirements of diplomatic mission members and other foreign tourists visiting destination Tanzania.

Commanding Officer of the Unit, Tanzania’s Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Mary Nzuki, said Tanzania Police Force had decided to form a special unit to ensure that tourists who come to visit this African safari country would enjoy maximum security throughout their stay.

“We in the Police Force recognized that it was high time we establish the special unit which will be responsible for the security of diplomats and tourists visiting our country,” said ACP Nzuki.

She noted that her mission was to meet tourist stakeholders to learn more about the tourism and hospitality industry and establishing how they could work together for the benefit of the industry.

She visited the Tanzania Tourist Board and assured the board’s management and other stakeholders of her full support through the police.

The Tanzania Tourist Board Managing Director, Dr. Aloyce Nzuki, said the Police Force’s move would make a significant impact on the development of the tourism industry in Tanzania, because peace and security are critical factors in attracting more visitors to any destination.

“You may be endowed with unique tourist attractions, but if there is no peace and security, tourists will never come,” he pointed out.

Tanzania government had last month decided to establish special units within the Tanzania Police Force to address security issues pertaining to investment ventures, mining in particular, tourism, and environment in an effort to reduce crime in key tourist areas including cities, towns, wildlife parks, historical sites, roads leading to remote tourist sites, hotels, and lodges.

Tourism and mining sectors are Tanzania’s leading foreign exchange earners. The tourism industry is currently under the stress of illegal hunting that is threatening the elephant population and black rhinos, all of which need strong committed police protection.

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