Bariadi DC applauds Kilimanjaro One for promoting cultural tourism

SIMIYU: Bariadi District Commissioner, Hon Simon Simalenga has lauded Kilimanjaro One Travel and Tours Limited for complementing government’s efforts in promoting cultural tourism in Bariadi, Simiyu Region.

The DC made the remarks when the Kilimanjaro One top officials paid him a courtesy call at his office to brief him about the forth coming Lake Zone Cultural and Tourism Festival, which is set to take place in Bariadi, Simiyu Region on July 5, 6 and the climax will be July 7 2024.

“This event is in line with President Dr Samia Suluhu’s ambition to see all district councils preparing such festivals that aim at promoting culture and tourism as well,” he said.

He further pledged the government’s support in the festival and reminded the organizers that the Sukuma people richly treasurer their culture and are always proud to promote it to the public.

“We want other people to come and see the Sukuma culture and we believe this will drive a lot of traffic to Simiyu which is rich in cultural heritage and other tourist attractions,” he said.

The DC called on all institutions from parastatals to private ones operating in the area to ensure they support the initiative as the festival will go hand in hand with exhibitions hence sponsors will get the chance to promote their products and services, he said.

He also called on the organizers to ensure they promote the event widely though different ways including media and public address systems to ensure as many people as possible get the massage and turn up.

On his part the Kilimanjaro One Travel and Tours Director, Mohamed Khatibu said his company was all set to host the festival which is the first time but will be a yearly event that will happen in Bariadi, Simiyu.

“We hope to bring together about 7,000 people to the festival which will seek to promote the Mbina festival, which is normally the climax of the harvest season among the Sukuma people.

He said the event expects to attract local and international tourists in Bariadi adding that it is high time the world knew about the rich culture that Simiyu as a region holds.

He further told the DC that preparations for the event are on top gear and there will be a series of activities and that the event will be free to the public. “This will be a big event of international standards,” he said.