Dar taps Seoul to boost tourist arrivals
BUSAN: TANZANIA is targeting the South Korean tourism market as part of its strategy to attract eight million international visitors annually by 2030.
The Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Ashatu Kijaji, is advancing the campaign through a series of high-level engagements in the Republic of Korea, including participation in the 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee Session in Busan and meetings aimed at promoting Tanzania’s tourism and heritage attractions.
While in Seoul, Dr Kijaji held talks with Tanzania’s Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Noel Kaganda, stressing the role of the country’s diplomatic missions in marketing Tanzania as a preferred tourism destination abroad.
She said South Korea offers an opportunity for Tanzania to diversify its source markets while increasing global awareness of the country’s natural, cultural and historical attractions.
The Minister noted that Tanzania’s tourism potential extends beyond its renowned wildlife destinations, saying archaeological, historical and cultural heritage sites also have the capacity to attract more international visitors.
According to Dr Kijaji, coordinated international marketing will play a key role in achieving the government’s target of receiving eight million tourists annually by 2030.
Amb Kaganda pledged the embassy’s full support in working with the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) to roll out promotional initiatives tailored to the South Korean market, where interest in cultural, heritage and experiential tourism continue to grow.
During the UNESCO session, held from July 19 to 29, Dr Kijaji met UNESCO advisory bodies responsible for World Heritage conservation and outlined Tanzania’s efforts to strengthen the protection and sustainable management of sites, including the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park.
She also participated in side events highlighting Tanzania’s conservation achievements and exchanged experiences with governments and international organisations on safeguarding World Heritage Sites.
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On the sidelines of the session, Dr Kijaji met Seychelles’ Minister of Tourism and Culture, Amanda Bernstein, with the two sides agreeing to strengthen cooperation in tourism development, conservation and the promotion of African destinations in international markets.
She also held talks with Palestine’s Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Adel Atieh, who commended Tanzania’s commitment to conserving its World Heritage Sites and promoting sustainable tourism.
In another bilateral meeting, Dr Kijaji and the Kenyan delegation, led by Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, Arts and Heritage Hannah Cheptumo, agreed to develop a long-term framework for cooperation in the conservation and sustainable management of World Heritage Sites shared across the region.
The visit forms part of Tanzania’s broader strategy to expand tourism markets, strengthen international partnerships and support sustainable growth in one of the country’s leading economic sectors.
