Africa-Press – Tanzania. DODOMA has launched a new tourism strategy aimed at boosting visitor numbers and attracting major investments.
The strategy, spearheaded by the Minister for Industry and Trade, Dr Selemani Jafo, calls on the region to enhance its hospitality and attract new investors.
Speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa at the strategy’s launch, Dr Jafo urged local residents to embrace hospitality and help transform the capital into a prime tourist destination.
He also called on investors to take advantage of the region’s high demand for accommodation and available land.
“Currently, Dodoma boasts 900 hotels, including both large and small establishments capable of hosting 25,000 guests. However, the demand for hotel facilities remains significant. I invite stakeholders to invest in the Dodoma tourism sector this must translate into actionable steps,” he stated.
Dr Jafo urged the President’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government and the Ministry of Lands to work collaboratively to ensure that land for investment, particularly for large conference venues, is identified and prepared.
“You must designate attractive areas for various attractions and those wishing to build large international conference centres need suitable sites to be made available,” he added.
He also proposed developing a tourism strategy centred around the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) station to amplify its tourist appeal.
The minister called for the establishment of a tourism village in Dodoma and asked the Tanzania Tourism Board (TTB) to support this initiative to position Dodoma as a tourism hub.
“Dodoma remains underdeveloped in tourism potential. We can create a city that embodies unique tourism characteristics,” he remarked, noting that Tanzania is rich in global tourist attractions.
Dr Jafo referenced the natural wonders of Mkungunero and Swagaswaga, emphasising Dodoma’s capacity for tourism development.
“This strategy addresses many pressing questions and challenges, connecting tourism to economic growth. The completion of Msalato Airport, which aims to accommodate 1.5 million passengers annually, alongside the SGR, presents incredible opportunities for boosting tourism,” he elaborated.
Dodoma Regional Commissioner, Rosemary Senyamule echoed the minister’s sentiment, explaining that the strategy was driven by the region’s abundant attractions.
“Our analysis showed that our per capita income is still low, prompting us to prioritise tourism alongside agriculture and four other key sectors. Tourism serves as a catalyst for economic benefit and community enhancement,” she remarked.
Highlighting the diverse tourism offerings in Dodoma including historical sites, agriculture, wildlife and sports, the RC assured investors of robust support for their initiatives.
“We guarantee that investors will receive adequate cooperation from our administration,” she concluded.
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