Tanzania’s preparations to host the Apimondia International Apicultural Congress in 2027 received a major boost on Sunday as members of the Apimondia Executive Council and the local organizing committee visited BEEtopia, a pioneering stingless bee conservation and eco-tourism site on the slopes of Mount Meru.
The high-level delegation was taken through an immersive experience at the site, which is fast gaining global attention as a model for sustainable beekeeping and community-based tourism. Located at the edge of Arusha National Park, BEEtopia blends conservation, education, and enterprise offering visitors a rare look into the often-overlooked world of stingless bees.
“Tanzania is home to around 12 species of stingless bees, and four are thriving right here,” said Warren Steyn, founder of BEEtopia.
“Our focus isn’t just on honey it’s on conservation, biodiversity, research, and supporting local livelihoods without harming wild colonies. We want every visitor to leave understanding how small things sustain life on a larger scale.”he added
Steyn’s initiative has trained dozens of local beekeepers across Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, equipping them with skills in colony management, sustainable splitting, and value-added honey production. The site also serves as an educational center, where tourists learn about the role of bees in ecosystems, pollination, and food security.
Timoth Mdinka, Managing Director of Learning and Discovery Africa (LAND Africa) and member of the Apimondia 2027 organizing committee, said api-tourism offers immense potential for strengthening the country’s tourism value chain.
“Arusha is the heartbeat of our safari industry,” Mdinka said. “We are telling tour operators: ‘Think bees.’ Visitors can begin their trip learning about bees before heading to Serengeti or Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s an experience that not only enriches their journey, but also keeps them in the region longer.”
He revealed that new itineraries are being developed to encourage tourists to extend their stay in Arusha by up to two days—creating broader economic opportunities for surrounding communities and service providers.
The Apimondia delegation included David Mukomana, President of the Apimondia Regional Commission for Africa, who commended Tanzania’s leadership in stingless bee research and innovation.
“There’s a proposal to form a global working group on stingless bees, linking experts from Africa, Asia, and Latin America,” Mukomana noted. “What we’ve seen here at BEEtopia could shape that initiative globally.”
He further announced that a guidebook on Tanzania’s api-tourism assets will be launched later this year in Copenhagen, highlighting the country’s rising status in the global apiculture space.
Speaking on behalf of the government, Commissioner Benedict Wakulyamba, Deputy Secretary General in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, assured the Apimondia delegation that Tanzania is fully committed to delivering a world-class event in 2027.
“We want Apimondia 2027 in Arusha to be a milestone not only for Tanzania but for the African continent,” said Wakulyamba.
“Our country offers more than landscapes and wildlife we have unique natural resources like stingless bees that deserve global attention.”he added
Prof. Dos Santos Silayo, Conservation Commissioner at the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS), said the presence of BEEtopia and a strong community of beekeeping champions gives Tanzania an edge in advancing both conservation and sustainable development.
“This is the kind of grassroots innovation that will define our hosting of Apimondia 2027,” Prof. Silayo said.
“We are not just showcasing bees we are showcasing how Tanzanians protect biodiversity and empower communities.”he added
As the visit concluded, Steyn offered a final reflection on the broader mission:
“Api-tourism is about opening people’s eyes to the unsung heroes of our ecosystems. If we get this right, Tanzania won’t just host Apimondia we will inspire the world.”he added
With government support, grassroots innovation, and a growing global spotlight, Tanzania’s path to Apimondia 2027 is not only promising it is buzzing with purpose.