Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority Commissioner Richard Rwanyakato Kiiza captured in a photo courtesy of NCAA.
In a spectacular financial turnaround, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) has reported a record-breaking revenue of TZS 171 billion in the fiscal year 2022/23, a remarkable leap from TZS 31 billion in 2020/21. Commissioner Richard Kiiza is buoyant about surpassing this milestone, setting a target of TZS 200 billion for the fiscal year 2023/24.
The surge in revenue is attributed to a significant rise in visitors, with 752,232 tourists in 2022/23 compared to 191,614 in 2020/21. The first half of 2023/24 has already seen a 10% increase, reaching 534,065 visitors. President Samia's relentless efforts, coupled with the success of the Tanzanian film "The Royal Tour," have played a fundamental role in this success.
This remarkable achievement positions the Ngorongoro Conservation Area as a beacon of success amidst global tourism challenges. Stakeholders, including Kennedy Edward and Sirili Akko from the Hotel Owners Association of Tanzania and Tanzania Association of Tour Operators respectively, underscore the need for government-private sector collaboration to capitalize on this momentum.
Regarding the voluntary relocation of residents within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Kiiza reported that as of February 25, 2024, 1,042 households with 6,461 people and 29,919 livestock had voluntarily moved. The government provided designated areas for resettlement, including Msomera Village in Handeni District, Saunyi in Kilindi District, and Kitwai B in Simanjiro District.
He mentioned that the relocation process, which began in June 2021, involved building houses, schools, water infrastructure, clinics, roads, communication facilities, electricity, watering holes, ponds, and postal services. By January 2023, 551 households with 3,010 people and 15,521 livestock had already moved to Msomera in the first phase.
In a transformative second phase commencing in July 2023, a monumental initiative unfolded, aspiring to construct 5,000 homes across Msomela (2,500), Saunyi (1,000), and Kitwai B (1,500). Noteworthy in this endeavor are the provisions for affected residents – not merely legal compensation, but a comprehensive package of incentives. These include developmental compensation, coverage for transportation costs, and motivational payments to empower individuals in selecting their preferred relocation destinations.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania: Image captured during a Wildlife Safari Tour.
However, amidst this narrative of accomplishment, a poignant counterpoint emerges in the challenges faced by the Maasai community in the Ngorongoro district. Allegations surround conservation policies, accused of sanctioning forced relocations, evictions, and the imposition of constraints on age-old traditional activities. The reverberations of these contentious policies were starkly illustrated in the tumultuous clashes that unfolded in Loliondo in June 2022.
Despite Ngorongoro's success, a surprising comparison with UNWTO statistics reveals that Tanzania, with a population of 65 million, received 1.4 million tourists, lagging behind countries like Kenya and South Africa. Kenya, with a population of 54 million, received 1.48 million tourists, while South Africa, with a population of 62 million, welcomed 6.8 million tourists. This contrast emphasizes the need for Tanzania to reassess its tourism strategies.
As the world grapples with the aftermath of the pandemic, Ngorongoro's success offers a glimpse of hope for regions relying on sustainable tourism. Looking beyond, the Kagera region, considered the loveliest part of Tanzania, is gearing up for a transformative journey. Over 1,000 artists, government leaders, and tourism stakeholders will partake in the Grand Kagera Tour project on March 3, 2024. This private venture aims to unveil hidden gems and lesser-known attractions, showcasing the region's potential for economic growth through tourism.
However, Tanzania's conservation policies cast a shadow on this optimism, particularly in the Ngorongoro district. Historical displacements, clashes in Loliondo, and unilateral decisions to convert areas into game reserves without community consultation underscore the challenges faced by marginalized communities. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, established in 1996, faces criticism for its new land-use model, aiming to relocate approximately 82,000 residents by 2027.
UNESCO stresses the need for an equitably governed consultative process, emphasizing sustainable interdisciplinary solutions with stakeholder involvement. United Nations experts call for a halt to forced evictions and relocation, urging the government to collaborate with affected communities to develop a plan that balances conservation needs and residents' well-being.
Exploring Tanzania's diverse tourism potential extends far beyond the success of Ngorongoro. The Kagera region, often hailed as the loveliest part of the country, boasts an abundance of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From breathtaking landscapes to rich cultural experiences, Kagera has the potential to become a tourism hotspot.
To propel Tanzania's tourism sector to new heights, the nation must reinvest in the industry by fostering peace and prioritizing infrastructure development. Peaceful surroundings are essential for attracting tourists and ensuring a positive experience. Additionally, investing in local infrastructure will enhance accessibility to these tourist sites, making them more appealing to both domestic and international visitors.
Furthermore, a sustainable approach to tourism development involves corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Tourism should not only transform landscapes but also the lives of the communities surrounding these sites. By incorporating CSR practices, the tourism sector can contribute to local development, ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach and positively impact the lives of the people in these regions.
In charting Tanzania's course in the tourism sector, a holistic strategy that considers peace, infrastructure, and community well-being will be crucial in ensuring enduring success and establishing the country as a premier destination on the global tourism map.
