By Our Correspondent, Mtwara
Mtwara is seeking to turn its whale population into a major tourism attraction as the region explores new opportunities to expand its blue economy, create jobs and generate income for local communities.
Mtwara District Commissioner Abdallah Mwaipaya said whales found in the region’s waters presented an opportunity to develop marine and ecotourism while promoting conservation and sustainable use of ocean resources.
Mr Mwaipaya made the remarks when he officially launched the Nyangumi Festival 2026 at Mashujaa Grounds in Mtwara Municipality.
He said the festival was not only about celebrating whales but also about showcasing Mtwara’s cultural heritage, young people’s talents, arts, sports, entrepreneurs’ products and other attractions that could strengthen the region’s tourism industry.
The commissioner urged residents, particularly young people and women, to take advantage of opportunities created by the festival and the wider development of marine tourism.
“I urge all citizens to participate fully in the festival and use the opportunities it creates to expand businesses and create jobs in sectors linked to the blue economy, particularly for young people and women,” he said.
Mr Mwaipaya said sustainable whale tourism could provide an additional source of income for communities while creating incentives to protect marine ecosystems.
He stressed that tourism development must be accompanied by effective conservation measures to ensure marine resources remain available for future generations.
The commissioner also called for stronger cooperation between the Government, local communities, conservation organisations and other stakeholders in managing marine resources.
He said community participation was critical to ensuring that conservation efforts delivered economic benefits while preventing unsustainable exploitation of the ocean.
“Protecting the ocean is everyone’s responsibility because when we protect the ocean, we protect lives and the future of our communities,” he said.
The Nyangumi Festival 2026, held under the theme “Protect Whales, Conserve the Ocean, Promote Sustainable Tourism,” aims to raise public awareness of marine conservation and promote sustainable tourism in Mtwara and Tanzania.
The festival also provides a platform for local entrepreneurs to market their products and services, potentially linking community businesses with visitors and other players in the tourism value chain.
For Mtwara, developing whale tourism could help diversify the region’s tourism products beyond traditional attractions, while opening opportunities in hospitality, transport, guiding, food services, crafts and other businesses linked to tourism.
The initiative comes as Tanzania continues to explore ways of using its marine resources to support economic growth without compromising the health of the ocean and the livelihoods that depend on it.