Africa-Press – Tanzania. TANZANIA’S long-distance star, Gabriel Geay, received a rousing send-off here yesterday as he departed for the 2026 International Daegu Marathon in South Korea, scheduled for February 22.
Speaking during the farewell ceremony, Commonwealth Tourism and Investment Ambassador, Jasmine Kikwete, called on Geay to use the global stage not only to compete but also to showcase Tanzania’s rich tourism potential.
Jasmine who doubles as the Blue Visit Tanzania and Blue Visit Zanzibar Director-General, said the Government, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Zanzibar President Hussein Mwinyi, has intensified efforts to market Tanzania as a premier tourist destination, with visible results.
“As a Tourism Ambassador, I have the responsibility to support the Government by working closely with stakeholders such as TANAPA (Tanzania National Parks) and NMB Bank to promote our country,” Jasmine said.
“Today we are bidding farewell to Geay as he goes to represent Tanzania in South Korea. His participation is not only about athletics, but also about promoting Tanzania internationally.”
She noted that Tanzania’s athletics sector continues to shine on the global stage, describing sports as a key pillar in advancing the country’s tourism diplomacy agenda.
“Geay carries the national flag and the hopes of millions of Tanzanians. Through sports tourism, we are complementing President Samia’s broader strategy of positioning Tanzania globally,” she added.
Jasmine pledged continued support for Geay and other Tanzanian athletes competing abroad, stressing that their international exposure presents an opportunity to market Tanzania as a sports tourism destination.
Geay, currently ranked 23rd in the world and the top athlete in Africa in his category, has emerged as one of Tanzania’s most accomplished longdistance runners -breaking a dominance long held by Ethiopian athletes on the continent.
Also speaking at the event, TANAPA Assistant Commissioner for Conservation and Head of Business and Marketing, Jully Lyimo, said the authority remains committed to linking conservation, tourism and sports.
“TANAPA’s mandate goes beyond conservation. We also play a key role in promoting tourism, and sports tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments,” she said.
NMB Bank Northern Zone Manager, David Ladislaus, reassured the bank’s commitment to supporting athletics development.
“As a leading bank in Tanzania, we have joined hands with TANAPA and other stakeholders to support Geay. We believe his success will not only bring pride to the nation but also promote Tanzania’s tourism sector,” he said.
Tanzania Athletics Federation (RT) President, Rogath Akhwari, emphasised the federation’s commitment to strengthening athletics through partner ships.
“Our responsibility is to develop and promote athletics in collaboration with stakeholders who share our vision,” he said.
For his part, Geay expressed confidence ahead of the marathon and vowed to represent the country with distinction.
