By Alfred Zacharia
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism in Tanzania has outlined ten major priorities that it and its institutions will focus on during the 2025/26 financial year.
Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ambassador Dr. Pindi Chana, presented the revenue and expenditure plan for the Ministry and its institutions.
She said the Ministry's work will focus on ten key areas to improve the natural resources and tourism sectors.
One of the top priorities is to continue promoting tourism both within and outside the country. This will be done through advertising in global sports leagues, international events, airlines, tourism caravans, major global festivals, international media, and online platforms.
Another priority is to identify and develop strategic tourism products. These include heritage sites, beach tourism, conference and event tourism, cruise tourism, sports tourism, medical tourism, and cultural tourism.
The Ministry also plans to improve tourism and conservation infrastructure. This includes roads, airports, and tourism services.
Dr. Chana stressed the need to strengthen the use of modern technology in managing conservation and natural resources. This will help in monitoring, promoting, and operating tourism activities more efficiently.
The Ministry will also enhance the protection and conservation of wildlife, forests, bees, and heritage sites. At the same time, it aims to increase production and value addition in forest and bee products.
Another focus is to improve data collection systems. The Ministry will conduct strategic research and provide advisory services related to sustainable conservation of wildlife, forests, bees, and heritage sites. It will also work to advance tourism development.
Public education and awareness will also be strengthened. Communities will be informed about sustainable conservation and use of wildlife, heritage, forests, and beekeeping resources.
The Ministry will improve the management of revenue collection systems from tourism and conservation activities.
Finally, it will review policies, laws, regulations, and guidelines that govern and support the natural resources and tourism sector.
These priorities aim to protect Tanzania’s natural heritage while boosting tourism, creating jobs, and supporting sustainable development.