Tourism stakeholders urged to invest in cultural tourism

KILIMANJARO: TOURISM stakeholders, particularly those in regions hosting major tourist attractions like Mount Kilimanjaro, have been urged to invest in cultural tourism to prevent harmful human activities that could damage these attractions.

The advice came on Tuesday from Mr Nkoba Mabula, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Tourism in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, during a welcome ceremony for participants of the Twenzetu Kileleni campaign.

The campaign commemorates Tanzania Mainland’s Independence while promoting both local and international tourism.

“Cultural tourism avoids harmful activities such as forest burning for honey harvesting or tree cutting, which can damage the environment of attractions like Mount Kilimanjaro,” Mr Mabula explained.

He emphasized that cultural tourism is an inclusive sector that generates significant revenue, including foreign exchange, for the country.

Mr Mabula stressed the importance of stakeholders investing in this area to prevent activities that could harm Tanzania’s tourist destinations.

He highlighted that tourism is a key driver of economic growth and plays a vital role in the nation’s well-being, urging collaboration to protect and preserve these attractions for future generations.

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Regarding the Twenzetu Kileleni campaign, Mr Mabula praised the organisers and their ongoing partnership with Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), which has contributed to the campaign’s annual success. He noted that such initiatives are vital for the growth of the national economy through tourism.

General (Rtd) George Waitara, Chairman of the TANAPA Board of Trustees, noted the increasing number of participants in the campaign each year. Over 300 people took part this year, including nine Tanzanian ambassadors, compared to just over 200 last year.

As a result, TANAPA and the campaign committee have expanded the routes available for climbers. In addition to the Marangu route, climbers can now use the Lemosho and Machame routes, bringing the total to three routes for the campaign.

Gen Waitara commended the ambassadors for their participation, calling it an act of patriotism. Dr Mahadhi Juma Maalim, the leader of the ambassadors who joined the campaign, expressed that the experience of cliambing Mount Kilimanjaro through this initiative allowed them to actively promote Tanzania’s tourism attractions.