Envoy calls for diversification of tourism products
KILIMANJARO: TANZANIA’S Ambassador to France and Permanent Delegate to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Saidi Othman Yakubu has called for the development of new tourism products at Kilimanjaro National Park to attract more French tourists.
He also urged intensified promotion of Tanzania’s tourist attractions in France to increase the country’s visibility and encourage more French citizens to choose Tanzania as a preferred holiday destination.
Speaking during a visit to Kilimanjaro National Park on Wednesday, Ambassador Yakubu said France remained an important tourism market, with about 15 million French citizens travelling abroad annually. He said the figure presented an opportunity for Tanzania to increase its share of international visitors through stronger marketing and diversification of tourism products.
The envoy held discussions with park management on tourism development initiatives, including the proposed Kilimanjaro Cable Car project from Machame to Shira, as well as measures to preserve the mountain’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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“Kilimanjaro is one of Tanzania’s most recognised global symbols. We must continue developing innovative tourism products while safeguarding the mountain’s unique environmental and heritage values,” Ambassador Yakubu said.
He said the country’s diplomatic mission in Paris was ready to support efforts to comply with UNESCO requirements and strengthen tourism promotion campaigns in major French cities. Ambassador Yakubu said diversification of tourism products and improved marketing strategies could significantly increase the number of French tourists visiting Tanzania while raising the sector’s contribution to the national economy.
He stressed, however, that tourism development should go hand in hand with environmental conservation and adherence to UNESCO guidelines. Kilimanjaro National Park Chief Conservator Angela Nyaki said the proposed cable car project was intended to expand tourism opportunities by promoting day-trip experiences and enabling more visitors to experience Africa’s highest peak.
She said the initiative could attract tourists who lacked the time or physical capacity to undertake the mountain’s traditional multiday climbing routes.
According to Ms Nyaki, the project could also create additional tourism revenue and employment opportunities while broadening the range of experiences available to visitors. The discussions emphasised the need to balance tourism growth with conservation to ensure Mount Kilimanjaro remains one of Tanzania’s most important natural and cultural assets.
Mount Kilimanjaro, protected within Kilimanjaro National Park, is Africa’s highest mountain and one of the world’s most recognised natural landmarks. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making conservation an important consideration in efforts to develop new tourism products and increase international visitation.
