Government, private sector join forces to boost tourism

MOROGORO: MINISTER for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Ashatu Kijaji has said the government is strengthening partnerships with private investors to expand accommodation capacity within national parks, in response to the steady rise in tourist arrivals each year.

Dr Kijaji made the remarks after inspecting major renovation works underway at Mikumi Hotel, located inside Mikumi National Park in Morogoro Region.

She said the refurbishment will enhance service standards, attract more domestic and international tourists, and increase national revenue, demonstrating strong collaboration between the government and the private sector in advancing Tanzania’s tourism industry.

The renovation includes upgrading guest rooms, recreational facilities, and other essential tourist services. Once completed, the modernised hotel is expected to significantly improve tourism quality and strengthen the park’s competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.

Owned by investor Gullam Abbasi, the hotel is being upgraded to offer international-standard services and accommodate more visitors.

“This investment demonstrates the transformative potential of collaboration between the government and private sector. I urge other investors to learn from Mr Abbasi’s example,” Dr Kijaji said.

She praised the investor for modernising tourism infrastructure within the park, noting that such efforts support conservation, create jobs and generate economic opportunities for local communities.

“I sincerely congratulate Mr Abbasi for investing inside the park. This is an investment that benefits conservation, communities and the national economy,” she said.

Dr Kijaji reaffirmed that the government will continue supporting investors who contribute to strengthening the tourism sector, which is critical for increasing national revenue.

Once completed, Mikumi Hotel will become the first facility inside the park to offer international-standard services, featuring 46 guest rooms, a swimming pool, gym, sauna, bonfire area, and a children’s play zone.

In a related development, Dr Kijaji directed the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) to scale up innovation to help the government achieve its target of increasing tourist arrivals to eight million by 2030.

She said reaching this goal requires creativity and aggressive international promotion of Tanzania’s attractions.

“We need innovation across all 21 national parks. Each park must offer something unique to give tourists a reason to return. We must introduce new tourism products every year,” she said.

The docket Deputy Minister Mr Hamad Hassan Chande noted that, despite major achievements in conservation and tourism, more efforts are needed to promote the country’s attractions and boost revenue from domestic tourism.

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“We must publicise the treasures we have. This natural blessing is rare, and we must protect it, collaborate, and market it effectively,” Mr Chande said.
Morogoro Regional Commissioner Adam Malima praised the ministry for improving road infrastructure and accommodation facilities within Mikumi National Park, noting that these improvements have increased tourist arrivals and strengthened the regional economy.

The inspection tour was also attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Hassan Abbasi, along with leaders from various departments and institutions under the ministry.