Dar es Salaam. The government has called for greater private sector investment in the southern tourism circuit as it celebrates surpassing a key target of five million tourist arrivals—an ambitious milestone set in the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) manifesto for 2020–2025.
Speaking during Ngorongoro Day, an event held as part of the 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), the minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Pindi Chana, said the goal had been achieved through strong collaboration between the government and stakeholders in the tourism sector.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to my fellow officials at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism and to all stakeholders. The CCM manifesto required us to reach five million tourists—and today, we walk with pride because that target has been met,” said Dr Chana.
The minister also lauded the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) for exceeding its 2024/25 revenue target. The authority collected Sh269.9 billion against a target of Sh230 billion, reflecting growing domestic and international interest in Tanzania’s flagship tourist sites.
According to NCAA’s Tourism and Marketing Services Manager, Ms Mariam Kobelo, Ngorongoro Day is part of efforts to reinforce President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s national campaign to market Tanzania’s tourist attractions and enhance visibility in the global travel market.
Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) Director General, Mr Ephraim Mafuru, said the board and institutions under the ministry would continue to work together to attract more visitors and generate increased revenues for the nation.
Meanwhile, the government is deepening its domestic tourism efforts through innovative initiatives such as the Msakuzi Pande Game Reserve Marathon, launched on Saturday in collaboration with Msakuzi Sports Promotion and the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA).
The race, held in the Pande Game Reserve on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam, drew around 300 participants and featured wildlife viewing and a bush dining experience. Speaking on behalf of the minister, Director General of the National Museum of Tanzania, Dr Noel Lwoga, said the event promotes both fitness and tourism.
“These marathons go beyond physical activity. They allow us to experience fresh air, see wildlife in their natural habitat, and support government efforts to raise tourist numbers. Domestic tourist arrivals alone increased from around 900,000 in 2021 to nearly three million in 2024,” Dr Lwoga noted.
Pande Game Reserve Warden, Ms Dorothea Massawe, said the marathon participants enjoyed sightings of lions, leopards, zebras, ostriches, and warthogs, which showcased the potential of eco-sports tourism.
Msakuzi Sports Promotion Secretary, Mr Peter Mpulila, expressed gratitude to TAWA for its support, emphasising that the event also raises awareness about non-communicable diseases and highlights lesser-known tourism destinations.
As the spotlight turns to expanding tourism offerings, retired General George Waitara, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees for the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), called on investors to channel resources into the southern circuit, citing regions such as Iringa, Mbeya, Njombe, and Katavi as areas brimming with untapped cultural and ecological potential.
“Most tourism investment has traditionally gone to the northern zone—Arusha and Kilimanjaro in particular. But now is the time to shift focus. Southern parks offer unique experiences, cultural richness, and biodiversity that can attract more tourists while easing pressure on northern destinations,” said Gen. Waitara during a visit to the ministry’s pavilion at the Sabasaba fair.
He noted that Ruaha National Park had been named Africa’s best cultural tourism destination, while Kitulo National Park was recently recognised as the continent’s top honeymoon destination—achievements that underscore the region’s promise.
Over 6,000 people had visited the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism pavilion at Sabasaba by July 12, according to Gen. Waitara, reflecting growing domestic enthusiasm for conservation and tourism.
TANAPA Assistant Conservation Commissioner, Ms Neema Mollel, said the fair had given the authority a valuable platform to promote conservation awareness, showcase key attractions, and present investment opportunities within Tanzania’s national parks.
The 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair, themed “Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair – Pride of Tanzania”, officially opened on June 28 and is scheduled to conclude tomorrow, July 13.
