Domestic tourism heightens Kazimzumbwe Reserve as it generates 1.9bn/- in revenue   

KISARAWE: THE Pugu Kazimzumbwi Nature Forest Reserve has continued to stand out as one of the key pillars in promoting Tanzania’s tourism sector, driven by a growing number of both domestic and international tourists, a trend that has contributed to increased government revenue and national economic growth.

This was revealed by the Assistant Conservator of the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) Agency for Kisarawe District, Regina Mwakifuna, in a special interview with Daily News Digital. She said that over the past three years, the reserve has successfully generated more than 1.9bn/- in revenue.

She explained that the reserve’s income has been rising each year. For instance, two years ago it collected about Sh151 million, which increased to Sh225 million last year. In the most recently concluded financial year, revenue reached252m/-. Furthermore, in the first half of the current financial year alone, the reserve has already collected approximately160m/-, raising optimism that collections will surpass last year’s figures.

“As we continue moving forward, revenue keeps increasing. We are confident that in the current financial year we will collect more revenue than in previous years,” said Mwakifuna.

Speaking on tourist numbers, Mwakifuna noted that in the past the reserve was mainly visited by foreign tourists due to limited awareness among Tanzanians about the importance of visiting local tourist attractions. However, the situation has now changed, with domestic tourists taking the lead in terms of numbers.

“Previously, foreign visitors dominated visits to the reserve because it was not well promoted, and many locals believed tourism was only for foreigners. Currently, through promotion and education, Tanzanians have started to appreciate and value their own attractions,” she said.

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She added that the reserve now receives about 1,000 domestic tourists per month, compared to only between 15 and 30 foreign tourists.

Regarding development plans, Mwakifuna said the reserve is implementing various strategies, including improving infrastructure to better serve all visitors, especially those with special needs. These initiatives include creating a disability-friendly environment, constructing and upgrading guest houses and cooking areas, and strengthening the reserve’s promotion both locally and internationally.

She also urged Tanzanians to abandon the misconception that tourism is only for foreigners or that going on holiday is a waste of money.

She emphasized that tourism offers people opportunities to gain diverse experiences, such as canoeing, fishing, camping in tents, participating in tree-planting activities from seed to maturity, as well as cooking and sharing meals together as a family.