TANAPA board explores Zanzibar tourist attractions
ZANZIBAR: THE Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) Board of Trustees recently visited various tourist sites in Zanzibar to explore strategies for enhancing tourism and conservation.
The visit was aimed at connecting shared history, culture and conservation efforts while promoting tourism. TANAPA’s delegation sought to gain insights into the island’s tourism, its historical significance and heritage management.
Led by Board Chairman General (Rtd) George Waitara, the tour included visits to Prison Island, the People’s Museum and the historic Stone Town. Board members and TANAPA management engaged in learning and experience-sharing activities throughout the visit.
The board’s visit was also aimed at studying feature of attractions similar to those they manage, including Saanane National Park, Rubondo Island and heritage sites like Caravan Serai in Bagamoyo, Dr Livingstone in Ujiji, Kigoma.
Furthermore, the board visited Stone Town, a historical city in Zanzibar that serves as a hub of cultural heritage and trade in East Africa. The city was established between the 18th and 19th centuries as a centre for the slave trade, spices (especially cloves) and ivory.
The tour included a walking exploration of the historical sites, including the graves of chiefs and sultans who ruled Zanzibar.
Expressing gratitude to the Zanzibar Department of Antiquities after the tour, General (Rtd) Waitara said the visit was highly educational for the board and management, providing insights on how to develop and manage historical attractions and tourism in the islands, ultimately increasing tourism revenue in the country.
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“We have gained substantial knowledge about these significant historical sites. This visit has strengthened our relationship, considering that TANAPA manage areas similar to those in Zanzibar. We will continue to collaborate in preserving these island areas for the benefit of future generations,” said General (Rtd) Waitara.
TANAPA’s Eastern Zone Senior Deputy Conservation Commissioner, Mr Massana Mwishawa, representing the management, highlighted the importance of integrating history and culture to enhance conservation efforts.
“Recently, we opened a liaison office here in Zanzibar, which will assist visitors in gaining information and encourage more frequent visits to national parks, especially heritage sites and nearby reserves such as Saadani, Nyerere and Mikumi,” said Mr Mwishawa.
He said visiting Prison Island and the museums in Stone Town has provided an opportunity to learn how the attractions are managed while strengthening cooperation between TANAPA and tourism stakeholders in Zanzibar. “This is a significant step in TANAPA’s efforts to attract more tourists to National Parks, particularly those with similar attractions to the islands,” he said.
