Members of Parliament on the Standing Committee on Land, Natural Resources and Tourism have commended the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism for expanding Tanzania’s tourism sector by developing diverse attractions and introducing innovative tourism products in protected areas.
The remarks were made in Dodoma by the Committee Chairperson, Thimotheo Mnzava (MP), during a briefing on the structure, roles, and responsibilities of institutions under the Ministry.
“This Ministry has shown remarkable progress in broadening our tourism options. The efforts of TFS and TAWA in developing new attractions are not just increasing government revenue—they are putting Tanzania on the global tourism map,” said Mr. Mnzava.
He praised the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) and the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) for their commitment to tourism development and urged the Ministry to continue strengthening oversight and improving infrastructure to achieve the government’s goal of attracting eight million tourists by 2030.
Other committee members encouraged institutions under the Ministry to build stronger relationships with communities living around conservation areas.
“When local communities are engaged and benefit from conservation, they become active partners in protecting our natural heritage,” noted one committee member.
Concluding the fourth day of presentations, the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr. Ashatu Kijaji, thanked MPs for their oversight and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to conservation and tourism growth.
“The Ministry is fully committed to supporting President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision of increasing renewable energy use. Reducing dependence on firewood and charcoal will help protect our forests and reduce conflicts around protected areas,” Dr. Kijaji said.
She assured the committee that all recommendations would be implemented and timely feedback provided to Parliament. On the same day, she presented performance reports from key institutions, including TFS, the Tanzania Forestry Research Institute, the Tanzania Forest Fund, and the Olmotonyi Forestry Training Institute.
Deputy Minister Hamad Hassan Chande also attended and emphasized professionalism in the execution of daily duties.
“Every institution under this Ministry must operate with integrity and accountability, safeguarding our natural resources for present and future generations,” he said.
The session was attended by senior ministry officials, heads of agencies and training institutions, and the Deputy Permanent Secretary, Nkoba Mabula.