Maghembe: We are fully geared at lifting Southern Circuit tourism

DAILY NEWS Reporter in Iringa

Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Prof. Jumanne Maghembe

MINISTER for Tourism and Natural Resources Professor Jumanne Maghembe has said the government is committed to fully implement the strategy geared towards promoting all tourist attractions available in the Southern Circuit.

“One of the aims of the strategy is to improve the infrastructure of the area including the airports,” Prof Maghembe said, adding that the government recognised the contribution of tourism to national economic growth.

Speaking here at the closing of Tourism Expo recently, Prof Maghembe said the government, in collaboration with the World Bank, was strategising on how to improve the infrastructure leading to Ruaha, Udzungwa, Kitulo National Parks and Selous Game Reserves.

“It is an undisputable fact that the Southern Circuit has a lot of unique historical sites and national parks with rare animal species in the world,” he explained. According to the minister, improving infrastructure would play a significant role in promoting and attracting tourists in the area.

“Lack of good roads and airports compel most of the tourists opt for northern regions. But, the Fifth Phase Government under Dr John Magufuli has already seen this and was now working for a permanent solution,” he said.

He said promoting the Southern Circuit would go hand in hand with intensifying the countrywide war against poaching. “We are also promoting investments in three and five star hotels.

It is my hope that we we will be receiving tourists/visitors of different levels,” Prof Maghembe explained. He also showered praise on the event organisers.

Earlier, the Iringa Regional Commissioner, whose region hosted the event, Ms Amina Masenza, said the region had many tourist attractions, but strategic promotion and marketing were lacking.

“The south highlands regions have many hidden historical treasures for which now was the right time to promote and change the living standards of the people,” the RC explained. Tourism is among key sectors of the economy, contributing 17 per cent of national economic growth.