KILIMANJARO, Nov. 9 -- THE government is planning to introduce a grading and certification system for tour guides and porters as part of efforts to improve service standards and professionalism in the tourism sector.

In her speech read by the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Nkoba Mabula, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Ashatu Kijaji, said the initiative would establish clear performance standards and accountability while enabling tourists visiting Tanzania to receive quality services.

The speech was read during the closing ceremony of a training course for more than 300 tour guides and porters at the College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka (CAWM-Mweka) over the weekend.

The training aimed at preparin...