Dar es Salaam. Retired General George Waitara, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), has called on the private sector to invest in tourism products and accommodation in southern Tanzania’s national parks to unlock economic potential and increase national income.
Speaking during his visit to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism pavilion at the ongoing 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), General Waitara said the Southern Circuit remains underdeveloped despite being home to unique wildlife and cultural resources.
He stressed that while most tourism investments have been concentrated in northern Tanzania particularly in Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions it is now time for investors to shift focus to Iringa, Mbeya, Njombe and Katavi.
These regions offer diverse landscapes and cultural experiences that can attract new market segments.
“The South is endowed with attractions that are different from what tourists find in the North. If promoted well, this region can significantly boost our tourism sector and reduce over-reliance on northern parks,” he said.
According to General Waitara, investing in the South would not only spread tourism benefits across the country but also reduce pressure on popular destinations like Serengeti and Mount Kilimanjaro.
He cited Ruaha National Park, which recently won the award for Africa’s Best Cultural Tourism Destination, and Kitulo National Park, which was named Africa’s Best Honeymoon Destination, as evidence of the region's potential.
“These awards are not by chance. They show that the Southern Circuit is gaining international recognition. Investors should act now to tap into this opportunity,” he said.
He further revealed that more than 6,000 people had already visited the Ministry’s pavilion at the fair, indicating growing public interest in conservation and tourism.
Neema Mollel, Assistant Conservation Commissioner at TANAPA, added that the trade fair had provided a platform to raise awareness, promote domestic tourism, and present investment opportunities in Tanzania’s national parks.
The 49th DITF, held at the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Trade Fair Grounds, started on June 28 and is scheduled to end on July 13. This year’s theme is “Sabasaba International Trade Exhibitions: The Pride of Tanzania.”
With government backing and growing public interest, stakeholders believe southern Tanzania could become a major tourism growth frontier.