A development expert has spoken of the importance of ensuring that visitors to Tanzania are benefiting communities.

Lelei LeLaulu, president of non-profit development organisation Counterpart International, says that unless tourism is sustainable it should not be encouraged.

Mr LeLaulu was speaking ahead of the 33rd Annual African Travel Association Congress meeting which is being held in Tanzania.

"At a time when a constricting global economy reduces international aid flows, African nations have a golden opportunity to harness the enormous power of the world's largest and fastest growing industry – tourism - to improve the health, wealth, environment and culture of their communities," he said.

Edward Bergman, executive director of the African Travel Association, added: "Sustainable tourism will allow people to work with the natural resources in their countries, not against them."

Figures show that around 44 million visitors jetted into Africa in 2007 to enjoy the continent's wealth of safari parks and rich heritage.

According to Mr LeLaulu, tourism can be even more beneficial than government aid as it "offers direct benefit to people and their communities".

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