The launch event held in the Katavi region, attracted a delegation of seven prominent stakeholders from the US, China, and India.
KATAVI. TANZANIA has officially launched the country’s maiden bee tourism initiative in a patriotic effort to enhance the performance of one of its key economic sectors.
Dubbed “Tanzania Api-Tourism,” this timely initiative is a brainchild of a collaborative effort between key local tourism and beekeeping stakeholders, as well as relevant international partners.
These, include the Tanzania-based Land Safaris Tourism Company, the Tanzania Beekeeping Development Organization (TABEDO), and the US-based World Honey Exchange Company.
Additionally, the initiative has received support from major government agencies including Tanzania Forest Services (TFS), Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), and the Tanzania Wildlife Authority (TAWA), among others.
The launch event, held in the Katavi region, attracted a delegation of seven prominent stakeholders from the US, China, and India.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Timoth Mdinka, Director General of Land Safaris Tourism Company, stated that the initiative is inspired by the strong performance of local bee honey in international markets.
For example, he highlighted that Miombo honey from Mlele beekeepers in Katavi has secured a substantial market in the US due to its exceptional quality and natural sweetness.
“World Honey Exchange, a global company focused on adding value to honey products, recently purchased at least one ton of honey from Mlele. This honey has been used to produce high-quality wines and beers in the US,” he revealed.
Mr. Mdinka, a famous beekeeper from Itigi, Singida, noted that the launched initiative is expected to significantly boost Tanzania’s apiculture sector while expanding access to international markets.
“We will be launching a dedicated campaign to attract tourists to witness the rich beekeeping heritage and honey production found throughout Tanzania,” he said.
The campaign will run under the theme: “Fuata Nyuki Expedition Safaris“, according to him.
He praised TFS for its professional management and preservation of natural forests across various regions, a strategy that has greatly supported the smooth running of beekeeping projects nationwide.
Former Prime Minister and renowned Tanzanian beekeeping advocate, Mr. Mizengo Pinda, emphasized during his brief remarks the need for a nationwide campaign to further boost the sector.
He called for increased involvement from both private and public sectors to ensure the initiative yields the desired outcomes.
In a separate interview, TFS Conservation Commissioner Prof. Dos Santos Silayo assured that the government agency responsible for forest and bee resource management will provide vital cooperation and support to the initiative.
The launch of Tanzania’s maiden Api-Tourism coincided with a special expedition tour to various beekeeping and honey-producing destinations across the country.
The tour began at Kilimanjaro, where delegation members met farmers involved in vanilla and coffee production.
“These farmers use bees for pollination, which enhances their crops, and also produce unique honey with vanilla and coffee flavors,” Mr. Mdinka explained.
From Kilimanjaro, the tour proceeded to Arusha, Manyara, Singida, Manyoni, Tabora, and concluded in Katavi.
“In all these regions, beekeeping and honey processing activities flourish, while the presence of natural forests and the famous Itigi thickets in Singida provided the delegation with an exceptional tourism experience,” he remarked.
Mr. Mdinka added that several tourist routes have already been developed for prospective visitors.
“These include routes through Arusha, Manyara, Singida, Shinyanga, Mwanza, Geita, and Kagera. Another route will traverse Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, Iringa, Mbeya, Sumbawanga, and end in Katavi region,” he detailed.
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