Africa-Press – Tanzania. Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has launched and handed over 21 tourism infrastructure projects worth 114.62bn/-.
He said the projects, implemented under the Strategic Southern Tourism Circuit Development Programme, are part of President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision to promote and expand the tourism sector in the country. “This has been President Samia’s hallmark—less talk, more action,” he said.
Dr Nchemba made the remarks on Wednesday (February 11, 2026) during the inauguration of Mtemere Airstrip located in Mloka Village, Coast Region, within Nyerere National Park. The airstrip is among the 21 projects launched.
He listed the projects as park entry gates, visitor information centres, guest camps, rest areas, guest houses, student hostels, an ecological monitoring centre, and ranger posts.
The Prime Minister directed all relevant authorities to ensure the protection and proper maintenance of the infrastructure, noting the substantial investment involved. “Ensure these projects are well-maintained and regularly rehabilitated to enable the country to achieve its goals, including increasing tourism revenue and creating jobs. Tanzanian citizens must also safeguard this infrastructure,” he said.
He further instructed the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism to collaborate with airlines, including Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL), to maximize the benefits of the new airstrip by establishing flight schedules connecting Dar es Salaam/Zanzibar – Nyerere – Mikumi – Ruaha – Songwe.
Dr Nchemba also noted that the government has continued investing in tourism infrastructure, including the procurement of 61 vehicles for tourism operations and patrols. “Additionally, the government has purchased 18 heavy machines, 46 trucks, seven tractors and various other equipment to support conservation and tourism development,” he said.
He added that the government will continue creating a conducive and friendly environment for the growth of tourism and conservation by introducing policies that encourage greater private sector investment for the broader national interest.
Earlier, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Dr Ashatu Kijaji said that under President Samia’s leadership, the number of tourists has increased by more than 149 percent, reaching 2,294,495 visitors in 2025, up from 922,692 previously. “This growth is the result of significant and strategic investment in the conservation and tourism sector,” she said.
