The government has begun implementing a strategy to position southern Tanzania as a major tourism destination, with a focus on promoting attractions and equipping young people with skills to tap into opportunities in the sector, Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Hamad Hassan Chande has said.
The initiative is expected to expand local participation in tourism, create employment opportunities and attract investment to areas with untapped tourism potential, including Kilolo District in Iringa Region.
Mr Chande made the remarks during the closing ceremony of the 2026 Kitonga Marathon, an event that brought together participants from government institutions, civil society organisations and private companies to promote environmental conservation and investment.
He said the strategy was being implemented in response to President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive to unlock the tourism potential of southern Tanzania and position the region as a competitive destination.
"Since President Samia Suluhu Hassan directed us to open up southern Tanzania and make it a champion in tourism, I want to assure you that the strategy has already started being implemented. This is the time for Kilolo District to seize the opportunities," he said.
The Deputy Minister said promoting tourism should go hand in hand with protecting the natural resources that sustain the sector.
He urged residents to become ambassadors of environmental conservation, particularly by protecting forests, which play a critical role in safeguarding water sources and supporting agriculture, investment and tourism.
Mr Chande said the marathon was not merely a sporting competition but also an opportunity to market Kilolo's attractions, particularly Mount Kitonga, to a wider audience.
"Today’s victory is not just about winning medals or receiving prizes. It is about opening up and promoting Kilolo for the benefit of our district and the nation. We have sufficiently showcased Kilolo, particularly Mount Kitonga," he said.
He further challenged financial institutions to work with the government and other stakeholders to attract investors to the district, particularly in establishing industries that could process agricultural produce locally.
He said investment in agro-processing would enable farmers to earn more from their produce instead of selling or transporting raw materials outside the district for processing.
Such investments, he added, would create employment opportunities for young people, increase household incomes and stimulate economic activities in the district.
The call highlights the need to link tourism promotion with broader local economic development, ensuring that communities benefit from the natural resources and investment opportunities available in their areas.