Tanzania Advocates for PPPs and Community Involvement in Sustainable Tourism Development

By Adonis Byemelwa

Dar es Salaam — The Tanzanian government has highlighted the vital role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and community engagement in shaping the future of the nation’s tourism industry.

At the launch of the Tourism Policy Reform Summit held at the Serena Hotel in Dar es Salaam, Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism Dr. Pindi Chana highlighted the need for a collaborative framework to support sustainable tourism practices, particularly emphasizing PPPs and local community involvement.

The event, titled "Blue & Green: Making the Most of Tanzania’s Coast and Hinterland Ecosystems," was organized by the Tourism Confederation of Tanzania (TCT) in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and EnviroSasa.

Delivering Dr. Chana’s remarks, Deputy Tourism Director Phillip Chitaunga called for cooperation between the government, the tourism sector, and local communities. “By harmonizing our local, regional, and national goals, we strive to develop a tourism model that is economically sound, environmentally sustainable, and socially inclusive,” Dr. Chana stated.

This two-day summit, which brought together nearly 100 public and private sector participants, features the Blue-Green Program—a focused initiative on sustainable tourism development for Tanzania’s coastal and hinterland regions.

Dr. Chana outlined the government’s vision, saying, “Our objective is clear: to foster a tourism industry that not only honors our diverse natural landscapes—from the pristine shores of the Indian Ocean to our thriving hinterlands—but also safeguards these treasures for future generations.”

She emphasized that ensuring tourism benefits reach local communities is essential for improving livelihoods and building resilience. The summit is set to evaluate tourism assets at the district level, exploring both marine and land-based tourism opportunities in designated areas.

The final sessions of the summit will focus on strategic recommendations aligned with Vision 2050, the Heshimu Bahari initiatives, and the Pamoja Framework. Dr. Chana further noted, “Our collective aim is to define actionable strategies for integrating marine and coastal conservation into tourism planning, ensuring sustainable infrastructure and adaptability in the face of climate change.”

Tourism Confederation of Tanzania (TCT) Chairman Moustafa Khataw described the summit as an opportunity to create actionable strategies for sustainable development, emphasizing economic growth, environmental conservation, and social inclusivity. He stressed TCT’s role as a bridge between the private sector and government efforts, saying, “By endorsing the Pamoja framework, we champion a bottom-up approach in policy and planning, promoting community-driven initiatives at the district level.”

Mr. Khataw also expressed confidence in the potential to shift from traditional circuit-based tourism to a more integrated, regional travel approach, reflecting a shift in Tanzania’s tourism strategy.

TCT Chief Executive Officer Lathifa Sykes remarked that the event marks a pivotal moment for transforming Tanzania’s tourism landscape through collaboration, sustainability, and growth in line with the country’s long-term goals.

Attendees included representatives from the President’s Office Planning Commission, the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, regional officials, the Ministry of Finance and Planning, the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), and the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC).

However, officials from the National Environmental Management Council (NEMC), Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), and Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA) were notably absent.