Karibu is a Swahili expression meaning “welcome” and the event draws exhibitors from the East African region who are involved in or related to the safari industry. The fair operates in association with the Tanzania Tourist Board and the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators. This year, in order to accommodate delegates attending the Sullivan Summit in Arusha, the fair has been extended to four days. The first two days of the event are restricted to members of the travel trade only, with the remaining days open to the public.

The theme of this year’s fair is “Get Connected”, reflecting the major goals of the fair, which are to:

• Raise the regional profile by promoting East African tourism to the global marketplace.
• Produce the premiere travel and tourism trade fair in East Africa.
• Bring all key industry stakeholders in East Africa together in one place, at one time.
• Create opportunities for international visitors and overseas tour agents to meet and network with members of the East African tourism industry.
• Bring new destinations, facilities and products to the attention of overseas tour agents.
• Facilitate opportunities for overseas tour agents to visit the national parks and properties.
• Generate direct spending in local economy - accommodations, restaurants, transportation, parks, etc.
• Create employment - directly and indirectly - by assisting development of small and medium enterprises.
• Build alliances with neighbouring East African countries, and key tourism stakeholders, through combined efforts to promote regional tourism.

Total exhibitor space was increased this year to a total of four hundred and two exhibitor stands with participant businesses representing Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda. Delegates from Australia, USA, Europe and the UK as well as points in Africa have registered. Event organisers have re-arranged the layout of the fair with a special section for exhibitors from Zanzibar and a “Grand Pavilion”.  Record turnout is expected again; the 2007 event drew over four thousand attendees. Preparations are already underway for the tenth anniversary of Karibu Fair next year.