‘Maximise tourism opportunities’

COAST REGION: PRIME Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has called on the private sector to capitalise on investment opportunities created by the government’s large-scale infrastructure development.

“The government has built high-quality airports and other tourism infrastructure that are ready to provide services. This is the true meaning of public-private partnership: The governmendevelops enabling infrastructure and the private sector capitalises on the opportunities. There are many areas where private investors can engage, undertake income-generating activities, create jobs and contribute to national revenue,” he said.

He said the government remains committed to creating a supportive and conducive environment for tourism and conservation by implementing policies that encourage greater private sector investment for the broader benefit of the nation.

Dr Nchemba made the remarks yesterday while inaugurating and handing over 21 tourism infrastructure projects worth 114.6bn/- in Coast Region.

The projects include the Mtemere Airstrip located in Mloka Village within Nyerere National Park, as well as 20 other tourism infrastructure facilities comprising 131 units constructed across Nyerere, Ruaha and Mikumi National Parks and the Kilombero Nature Forest Reserve.

He directed all relevant authorities to ensure the facilities are properly protected and regularly maintained in order to boost tourism revenue and create employment opportunities for Tanzanians.

The infrastructure features park entry gates, visitor information centres, campsites, picnic and rest areas, guest houses, student hostels, an ecological monitoring centre and ranger posts.

Dr Nchemba said the projects were implemented at significant cost and must therefore be safeguarded and well maintained to ensure they deliver tangible benefits to the nation’s tourism sector.

“In light of this major investment, I urge all responsible authorities to ensure that this high-cost infrastructure is properly protected and regularly maintained so that our country can achieve its goals, including increasing tourism revenue and creating employment opportunities for our people,” he said.

He also urged residents living near the protected areas affected by the projects to be the first to take advantage of the new opportunities while helping to safeguard the infrastructure.

Dr Nchemba further said the projects, implemented under the strategic Southern Tourism Circuit Development Programme, align with President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision of expanding and strengthening the tourism sector.

He noted that the government has continued to invest in tourism and conservation infrastructure, including the purchase of 61 vehicles for tourism operations and patrols.

The Prime Minister also directed the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism to collaborate with airlines, including Air Tanzania (ATCL), to maximise the new airstrip’s potential by establishing flight schedules linking Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar with Nyerere, Mikumi, Ruaha and Songwe.

“This could become a route that stimulates tourist arrivals to these destinations,” he said.

On her part, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Ashatu Kijaji, said the projects, launched in 2020 and completed in 2025, were fully funded by the government.

She said the newly inaugurated Mtemere Airstrip features a runway approximately 1.8 kilometres long and a passenger terminal capable of accommodating 140 arriving and 140 departing passengers at the same time.

The facility also includes a control tower, parking space for 90 vehicles, a fire and rescue station, visitor lounges and administrative offices.

Dr Kijaji said the airstrip will significantly improve access to Nyerere National Park, particularly for short-stay visitors seeking quick connections to Tanzania’s wildlife destinations.

“Visitors can now reach our parks by road or by air. If you have limited time and wish to unwind in nature, board a plane and come to Nyerere, Mikumi or Ruaha. We are ready to open up southern tourism,” she said.

She added that the projects mark a major milestone in strengthening tourism infrastructure and unlocking the full potential of the Southern Circuit.