Arusha. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has announced a comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing the inclusive economy in Tanzania’s western tourism circuit.
The initiative will focus on connecting rural economies to the thriving tourism industry, in partnership with a leading active sports organizer.
At a press conference in Arusha, UNDP Resident Representative Mr Shigeki Komatsubara highlighted the agency’s commitment to ensuring that tourism dollars benefit local communities surrounding the World Heritage site of Serengeti National Park.
“We aim to empower fishermen, livestock keepers, and farmers around the Serengeti to compete effectively and integrate into the broader tourism value chain,” Mr Komatsubara said, underscoring the goal of transferring tourist dollar directly to local residents.
During the opening of the Serengeti Safari Marathon, he further said that their long-term partnership would facilitate connections between local suppliers of beef, horticultural products, and fish with hotels and lodges operating within the Serengeti ecosystem.
The UNDP strategy emphasizes creating strong tourism linkages to enhance economic growth, promote social inclusion, empower women and youth, and ensure environmental sustainability.
“Our approach will foster dialogue and participation, connecting people with surrounding resources for better employment opportunities and improved quality of life,” Mr Komatsubara added.
Tourism is a vital industry for Tanzania’s economy, significantly contributing to national income, foreign exchange earnings, and poverty alleviation.
A recent study by the Netherlands Development Organization (SNV) and the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) highlighted the importance of tourism in benefiting local communities.
However, the final analysis, titled ‘Tracing the Tourist Dollar in Northern Tanzania’, revealed that climbing Mount Kilimanjaro provides greater financial benefits to local communities—28 percent of generated revenue—compared to 19 percent from other attractions in the northern tourist circuit, which includes the Serengeti.
With around 56,000 climbers annually generating $50 million, approximately $14 million directly supports local livelihoods reliant on trekking.
Wages and tips earned by climbing staff, often from disadvantaged backgrounds, are fully pro-poor, showcasing a successful model of resource transfer from tourists to local communities.
Tourism in Tanzania, generating $3.5 billion in revenue, accounts for close to 19 percent of the GDP, provides over 1.5 million jobs, and represents 25 percent of foreign exchange earnings.
The Director of the Serengeti Safari Marathon, Mr Timothy Mndika, expressed gratitude to UNDP for its ongoing support in promoting active sports tourism over the past six years.
“UNDP has played a pivotal role in stimulating active sports tourism in Tanzania, which in turn boosts the rural economy,” he stated.
The Serengeti Safari Marathon scheduled for November 16, 2024, aims to attract 2,000 runners from around the globe, contributing economically to local communities through tourism.
This event embodies three core values namely enhancing conservation, boosting tourism, and benefiting local populations through active engagement in sports tourism.
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