The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Investments (PIC) has directed the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) to step up investment in national parks, improve infrastructure and introduce new tourism products to attract more visitors and increase earnings from the sector.
The committee said stronger investment in tourism infrastructure and diversified products would help Tanzania unlock more value from its natural resources while creating greater economic opportunities for citizens.
The directive was issued by PIC acting chairman Rashid A. Shangazi during a meeting in Dodoma to assess investment projects in national parks, conservation activities and measures to increase tourism’s contribution to the economy.
Mr Shangazi called on TANAPA, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, to develop practical strategies that would improve tourist facilities and services while protecting the country’s wildlife and other natural resources.
He said investment should not only focus on increasing tourist numbers but also ensure that the benefits of the sector are felt more widely through employment, business opportunities and increased government revenue.
The committee also called for improvements to infrastructure within and around national parks, noting that better roads, accommodation facilities and other visitor services could make Tanzania’s destinations more accessible and competitive.
It further urged TANAPA to expand tourism products beyond traditional wildlife viewing by developing new experiences capable of encouraging visitors to stay longer and explore more destinations.
The move could provide opportunities for local businesses, tour operators, transport providers, accommodation facilities and communities around national parks to benefit from increased tourist spending.
The meeting was attended by officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism led by Deputy Permanent Secretary Nkoba E. Mabula, representatives from the Treasury Registrar’s Office and TANAPA management led by Conservation Commissioner Massana G. Mwishawa.
The committee’s position reflects growing attention to how public investment in the tourism sector can translate into tangible benefits for citizens while maintaining the conservation of Tanzania’s wildlife and protected areas.
Tourism remains an important pillar of the economy, supporting employment, foreign-exchange earnings and businesses across the country.
PIC’s call therefore places greater emphasis on ensuring that investments in national parks deliver stronger returns to the public while safeguarding the natural assets on which the sector depends.
PIC is one of the Parliamentary Standing Committees responsible for overseeing and advising on public capital investments in public corporations, companies and public institutions under the coordination of the Treasury Registrar’s Office.
