TANGA: TANGA regional authorities have announced that the Tanga URITHI Festival, launched a week ago to showcase and promote the region’s rich historical, cultural and culinary heritage for tourism development will now become an official annual exhibition event.
Tanga Regional Commissioner, Dr Batilda Burian announced this yesterday during special prayers organised by the Regional Peace Committee. The event, which brought together leaders from all major religions, was held at the Urithi grounds in Tanga.
Dr Burian said that the festival has been officially registered with TANTRADE and will now feature on TANTRADE’s calendar of exhibitions.
Addressing hundreds of Tanga residents who gathered for the prayers, she emphasised the importance of seeking God’s guidance for continued peace and protection of the country’s leadership, including President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her administration.
The RC urged Tanga residents to view the festival not just as a cultural celebration but as a platform for creativity and entrepreneurship.
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“This is an opportunity for you to use your skills to produce handmade and other products that can create self-employment opportunities for our youth,” she said.
Dr Burian highlighted the success of neighbouring countries, whose handmade products generate significant income and attract tourists. Global trends show that the handicrafts market was valued at approximately 787.85 billion US dollars in 2023 and is projected to grow to 2,149.93 billion US dollars by 2032.
“Why not us? We have an abundance of hand-woven and handmade products and culinary heritage that could not only be sold outside Tanzania but also serve as tourist attractions,” she added.
According to Fortune Business Insights, a global company that tracks developments and provide market research data, customised services, analysis and recommendations for diverse industry verticals, the Asia-Pacific region dominates the global handicrafts market, driven by countries like India and China, which have capitalised on their rich traditions in handmade products.
The report says that India, for example, saw its handicraft exports reach 3.5 billion US dollars in 2023. These products have not only supported local economies but also found a growing global market due to their uniqueness and sustainability.
“Tanga has the potential to join this thriving market,” Dr Burian said. “We can transform the region into a hub for handmade products that attract international buyers and provide employment for our youth, especially as the demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products continues to rise.”
The URITHI Festival, with its official recognition, is now set to play a vital role in promoting Tanga’s unique cultural identity while fostering economic opportunities for local communities.
Speaking on the need to pray for peace and good health of President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan and her assistants, she said Tanga has seen and enjoyed the hand of the president through the expansion of government financing for development projects.
She said for instance health budget financing has grown from 2.6bn/- / to 4.5bn/- / with the construction of new health facilities, including 72 new dispensaries in the region.
The Chairman of the Peace Committee, Sheikh Juma Luwuchu underscored the need for continuing peace through love that goes beyond race, tribe and religion. He praised Dr Burian for her determination to strengthen peace in the region.
