Joint tourism efforts boost sector growth

DODOMA: THE government has said sustained joint cooperation between Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar is strengthening efforts to harmonise tourism development across the United Republic.

Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Mr David Silinde, on behalf of the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, made the remarks in the National Assembly on Thursday while responding to a question from Ms Asma Ali Mwinyi (CCM–Welezo).

He said the Union Government and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar have maintained structured collaboration through regular joint meetings involving the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (Mainland) and the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage (Zanzibar).

ALSO READ: TARURA plans flood control in Geita

Mr Silinde said that the meetings provide a platform to discuss policy direction, review implementation progress and coordinate strategic decisions aimed at maximising the sector’s contribution to the economy.

He added that joint tourism promotion has gained momentum following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) and the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT).

“The agreement focuses on promoting Tanzania as a single tourist destination, enhancing competitiveness and enabling both sides to pool resources and expertise,” he said.

Mr Silinde said TTB and ZCT are also working closely with the private sector to market the country’s tourism attractions at major international exhibitions, including the Swahili International Tourism Expo (S!TE), Karibu– Kili Fair, Z–Summit, ITB Berlin and WTM London.

He added that Tanzania continues to engage with global and regional bodies such as the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), as well as the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to promote sustainable tourism.

Responding to a supplementary question, Mr Silinde said the strengthened cooperation is already contributing to job creation across the tourism value chain, including tour guiding, hospitality, transport services and handicrafts such as wood carving.