Tanzania to Host Groundbreaking Tourism Policy Summit to Drive Sustainable Development

By Adonis Byemelwa

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (MNRT) in collaboration with the Tourism Confederation of Tanzania (TCT) and EnviroSasa, will soon host a transformative tourism policy reform summit in Dar es Salaam.

Set to take place on November 14-15, 2024, at the Serena Hotel, this event, titled "Blue & Green: Making the Most of Tanzania’s Coast and Hinterland Ecosystems," is poised to shape the future of sustainable tourism in Tanzania, aligning with the country’s ambitious Vision 2050 development agenda.

"This summit promises to be a major step in defining the path forward for sustainable tourism in Tanzania," TCT CEO Ms. Lathifa Sykes said during a recent press conference. With Tanzania’s celebrated coastal areas and diverse hinterlands, the summit will provide a critical platform for exploring sustainable tourism strategies that both protect natural ecosystems and drive economic growth.

Ms. Sykes highlighted that the summit will serve as an opportunity for tourism stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to collaborate on innovative solutions, with a commitment to environmental protection and socio-economic progress.

The event will bring together a wide range of government officials and tourism leaders, establishing a collaborative environment for effective policy reform.

Key participants will include representatives from the President’s Office, the Planning Commission, the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, the Ministry of Finance and Planning, the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), and the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC).

These entities will engage in high-level discussions on regulatory reform, fiscal policy, and investment opportunities to advance Tanzania's tourism industry.

According to Ms. Sykes, the summit will also feature insights from prominent leaders, including the Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, with a particular focus on integrating sustainability into Tanzania’s tourism strategy.

A central component of the summit will be the newly introduced Pamoja Policy, an initiative designed to guide sustainable tourism development across the nation. Delegates will address key challenges and opportunities in infrastructure, investment, and environmental preservation, with the Pamoja Policy setting the foundation for these conversations.

The event will place a strong emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, critical for the future of responsible tourism. The MNRT, in partnership with EnviroSasa and the University of Dar es Salaam, will launch a specialized ESG course for tourism professionals, establishing new sustainability standards for the industry.

Adding a practical dimension to the summit, the Blue and Green: Tourism Business Clinic will allow industry stakeholders to engage directly with the TRA and TIC, addressing investment, taxation, and regulatory concerns. This business clinic aims to foster growth in the sector while promoting best practices that align with sustainability goals.

To address the critical need for skilled tourism guides, the MNRT has partnered with the Field Guides Association of East Africa (FGAEA), the College of African Wildlife Management (CAWM) in Mweka, and the National College of Tourism (NCT) to elevate certification standards. This initiative aims to equip guides to meet both local and international demand, ensuring a higher-quality tourism experience that reflects Tanzania’s unique cultural and natural heritage.

The MNRT, as Tanzania’s primary agency for natural resource management and tourism, is dedicated to positioning the nation as a premier eco-tourism destination that balances conservation with economic growth.

The TCT, as the representative body for the tourism industry, plays a vital role in fostering dialogue between the government and industry leaders to promote sustainable practices. EnviroSasa’s involvement, with its expertise in environmental management, ensures that the summit will not only address sustainability but will also incorporate actionable strategies for responsible tourism development.

As the tourism policy reform summit draws near, expectations are high that it will be a landmark event in Tanzania’s tourism journey, catalyzing sustainable growth and collaboration. Ms. Sykes expressed optimism that "Blue & Green: Making the Most of Tanzania’s Coast and Hinterland Ecosystems" will be a defining moment, fostering a future where Tanzania’s tourism industry supports both environmental stewardship and long-term economic prosperity.