Experts: Sustained economy will boost tourism
KILIMANJARO: EXPERTS are advocating for a circular economy model in Tanzania’s tourist areas, arguing that effective waste management is key to boosting sustainable tourism and contributing significantly to the national economy.
This recommendation was a central theme at the inaugural Tanzania Sustainable Tourism and Innovation Summit (TaSTIS) held recently in Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region.
Professor Msafiri Mkonda from the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) explained that a circular economy involves reducing, reusing, recycling and regenerating resources, which directly contributes to the nation’s wealth.
“National parks, in particular, can take the lead by turning waste into income-generating resources,” Prof Mkonda said in his presentation titled, ‘Circular Economy and Waste Management in Tourism.’ Prof Mkonda noted that globally, waste generation is projected to reach 3.4 billion tonnes by 2030 and that most Sub-Saharan African countries still lack access to sustainable waste management services.
“It is important to adopt innovative approaches, techniques and strategies to improve waste management in tourist areas, especially in national parks. This would strengthen tourism’s contribution to the national economy beyond the direct income generated through tourismrelated activities,” he observed.
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On his part, TaSTIS Executive Director Dr Gileard Minja said the inaugural summit aimed at developing practical solutions, shaping policies and empowering youth and women to become the torchbearers of sustainable tourism in the future.
Commenting on Africa’s tourism industry in general, Dr Minja said stakeholders must confront the structural barriers that continue to impede the sector’s growth.
In her presentation, Dr Nyanjige Mayala from Mwenge Catholic University (MWECAU) stressed the need for strategies that fully empower women to participate in the tourism sector so they can contribute meaningfully to the national economy.
