Tanzania, Aug. 14 -- Moshi. The government has warned the Kilimanjaro Responsible Trekking Organisation (KRTO) against presenting itself as a regulatory authority over mountain tourism operators

The ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism stressed in a statement that only institutions empowered by law can determine whether a company is authorised to operate in Tanzania.

The statement further added that KRTO, which also oversees the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP), must operate within its legal mandate and comply with the Tourism Act.

The warning comes amid growing concerns over the influence of private certification programmes in the Kilimanjaro trekking industry.

The ministry further said tourism companies, organisati...