INTERGRATING A SUSTAINABLE TOURISM INITIATIVE INTO LOCAL STRUCTURE IN THE KILIMANJARO CHAGGA HOMELAND

At the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development, better known as the “Rio Conference” a concept for a more sustainable global development was developed. The non-compulsory Action Plan (Agenda 21) was signed by 182 states. Building on this, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Earth Council jointly created the “Agenda 21 for the Travel and Tourism industry; Towards Environmentally and Sustainable Development”. In this, tourism stakeholders are called to minimize the negative impacts on the Destination and to form partnerships to promote sustainable development in the tourism industry. At the same time, the agenda call on states to create conditions conducive to sustainability and to steer tourism stakeholders in the right direction. However, compliance with these regulations is voluntary. Sustainable tourism development described by the UNWTO as follows: "Sustainable tourism development meets the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing the future. It is envisaged as leading to the management of all resources in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be maintained” Later, attention was paid to the impact on the future at all three levels, as well as the communities in the destination. "Sustainable tourism is the full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities" We at Rombo Cultural and Ecotourism Enterprise (ROCTE), and in partnership with other stakeholders, have adopted the Kilimanjaro Friendship Trail (KFT) idea on sustainable cultural tourism were we conduct ecotourism and cultural tourism activities on the Kilimanjaro agroforestry belt from Machame village in Hai district to lake Challa in Rombo district, a stretch of 100km terrain going through hills and valleys with beautiful view points with natural and cultural attractions. The KFT takes on a pilgrimage/nature/culture and/or sports idea to walk on the 100kms distance in five days 4 nights or longer hiking expedition depending on time, budget and endurance. This kind of tour involves walking/hiking, bicycle riding, camping, homestays, church stays and visits, educational trips in schools, trees planting, cultural performances, visiting coffee plantations and participating in coffee ceremonies, traditional dances, local food cooking classes and eating from organic produce in the home gardens, visiting local breweries and tasting the locally made banana beer and/or wine, visiting Chagga war caves/bolt holes, birds watching, local markets visits, farm visits, kayaking and visiting community projects.

Potential Program Points & Alternative Routes

On the trail there are alternative hiking routes which visitors can opt to take depending on their interesting attractions and activities. Visitors may opt to stay in camping sites or in modern facilities along the trail; there are various lodges and hostels which can be utilized. Pricing for this special tour depends on the accommodation type and number of hiking days