Tanzania Forest Services Agency promotes eco-tourism in forest reserves

Arusha. The Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) Agency is drafting legal guidelines to encourage eco-tourism investments in forest reserves, with the goal of enhancing national revenue.

The proposed guidelines will prioritise investments in accommodation and recreational facilities within upgraded reserves earmarked for forest and ecological tourism activities.

TFS Conservation Commissioner, Prof Dos Santos Silayo, made the announcement during a three-day training for conservation officers managing tourism in forest reserves and cultural heritage sites recently.

He noted that TFS is focusing on utilising forest resources to promote tourism by upgrading reserves with unique attractions for biodiversity conservation.

Since 2010, TFS has upgraded 25 forest reserves, resulting in a significant increase in tourism.

The number of tourists visiting these reserves grew from 56,000 to 250,000, while revenue rose from Sh150 million to Sh1.9 billion.

For the 2024/2025 financial year, TFS targets 300,000 tourists and Sh3 billion in revenue.

Deputy Permanent Secretary in the ministry of Tourism and Natural Resources, Mkoba Mabula, encouraged TFS to innovate in forest conservation to expand tourism products.

He highlighted the government’s goal of attracting five million tourists and generating $6 billion in revenue within the next 12 months.

Mabula added that eco-tourism has the potential to surpass wildlife tourism in revenue generation.

He also praised President Samia Suluhu for promoting the country’s attractions, including the Royal Tour documentary, which aims to attract international tourists and investors.

He emphasised that attracting tourists requires more than just showcasing natural resources but also enhancing them and providing quality services.