As Tanzania prepares to mark International Women’s Day on March 8, 2026, the contribution of women in conservation and tourism is increasingly coming into focus.
One of them is Mariam Chuma Kobelo, a senior assistant conservation commissioner responsible for tourism services and marketing at the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, whose work has helped push forward campaigns aimed at increasing domestic tourism.
Kobelo says Tanzania has strong potential to grow local tourism if more citizens are encouraged to explore the country’s attractions.
“For God nothing is impossible. We should not lose hope when encouraging Tanzanians to visit tourism attractions. A day will come when the number of Tanzanians visiting Ngorongoro and other destinations will increase even more,” she says.
Her message reflects the growing emphasis by tourism authorities on domestic travel as a way of strengthening the sector while deepening national appreciation of the country’s natural heritage.
Within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, Kobelo is recognised for her role in developing creative campaigns aimed at attracting more Tanzanians to the iconic conservation area.
Among the initiatives she helped design are the “Merry and Wild – Ngorongoro Awaits” campaign and the “Diko la Amboni” tourism concept.
These campaigns were developed to raise awareness and motivate local tourists to experience the conservation area in new ways.
Tourism stakeholders say such initiatives are important in widening the domestic tourism market and ensuring that Tanzanians themselves actively participate in the country’s tourism industry.
Kobelo has also been involved in promoting new tourism products, including wedding tourism, a niche segment that encourages couples to hold wedding ceremonies and celebrations in scenic natural environments.
The idea is gradually gaining attention as more people seek unique venues for important life events, with Ngorongoro offering dramatic landscapes, wildlife and cultural heritage that make it a distinctive location.
The conservation area remains one of Tanzania’s most renowned tourism destinations, attracting visitors from around the world due to its natural beauty and rich biodiversity.
Officials say efforts by conservation professionals such as Kobelo are helping expand tourism opportunities while ensuring the destination remains appealing to both international and domestic visitors.
As the country celebrates International Women’s Day, Kobelo’s work highlights the growing role of women in conservation leadership and tourism development, sectors that are central to Tanzania’s economic and environmental future.
