By Sixmund Begashe, Iringa
MINISTER for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Ashatu Kijaji, has directed conservation institutions under her ministry—Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) and the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA)—to step up efforts to promote domestic tourism so that Tanzanians can directly benefit from the positive outcomes of conservation.
Dr Kijaji issued the directive during a meeting with the management of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, alongside senior officials from TANAPA and TAWA, aimed at assessing the implementation of strategies for strengthening the tourism sector in the country.
She said the momentum to stimulate tourism and strengthen sustainable conservation in Southern Tanzania, spearheaded by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, through various development projects, must be fully supported by all institutions under the ministry.
According to Dr Kijaji, Tanzania is endowed with abundant natural attractions, particularly in the southern tourism circuit, where the Sixth Phase Government has made substantial investments in infrastructure development. These include roads, airports, tourist accommodation facilities, as well as economic empowerment initiatives for communities living adjacent to protected areas—all aimed at attracting more domestic and international tourists, as well as investors.
Accompanied by Member of Parliament Hamad Hassan Chande, the minister further emphasised the need for TANAPA and TAWA to strengthen good neighbourliness engagements with neighbouring countries. She said such cooperation would facilitate experience sharing and promote Tanzania as a preferred tourism destination, in line with the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Election Manifesto for 2025–2030.
“The CCM Election Manifesto directs us to reach eight million tourists by 2030. As managers of this sector, we must present our beloved President, Mama Samia Suluhu Hassan—who is the country’s chief conservationist and number one tourism ambassador—with the gift of surpassing this target,” Dr Kijaji said.
She added: “The President has already demonstrated her commitment to uplifting the tourism sector. We must not fail her in any way. Let us work hard.”
On his part, the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Nkoba Mabula, speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, assured the minister that his office would ensure all directives and instructions are fully implemented to achieve the country’s tourism development goals.
No comments:
Post a Comment