Tanzania is likely to lose its tourism market share to Kenya and Uganda in the face of the global financial crisis as the country maintains ‘business as usual` attitude.

Despite the global financial slowdown, Tanzania has made no effort to rescue its tourism industry. Kenya and Uganda have already lowered their entry fees for tourists in a bid to attract more arrivals.

Uganda was the first East African country to lower its entry fees by 50 percent for tourists in December 2008, before Kenya followed by reducing visa fees for tourists by half.

As a result, Kenya and Uganda are currently considered as the cheapest destinations, compared to other East Africa countries including Tanzania with similar tourist attractions. Majority of potential foreign tourists are currently scouting for cheaper destinations, as economic crisis takes its toll.

Apparently Tanzania`s public sector is undecided on the incentives to be offered for tourists, while the private sector has already reduced 10 to 15 percent of tourist package in response to financial meltdown. Tanzania has already trimmed its 2009 tourism earnings forecast of $1bn from 950,000 visitors, by about three percent due to the global economic downturn.

Tourists come to Tanzania to enjoy the beaches on its coastline and the Zanzibar archipelago, the national parks such as the Selous in the southeast and the Serengeti in the north, as well as to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Tanzania tours and safaris provide some of the world’s best  wildlife viewing adventures.

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