Summary
Visitor numbers to Tanzania’s forest reserves rose from 59,606 in 2020/21 to 152,954 by mid-2023/24, with a target of 500,000 visitors set for 2024/25.
MOROGORO: THE government has directed the Tanzania Forest Service Agency (TFS) to accelerate more interventions meant to advance the ecotourism sector across the country.
As Tanzania pursues an ambitious target of attracting five million tourists and generating $6 billion in annual revenue, the TFS has been identified as a pivotal contributor to reaching this goal through conservation-focused ecotourism.
Mr. Ibrahim Mussa, former Marketing Director of Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) observed that TFS was standing in a strategic position to assist Tanzania achieving the set five million visitors targets.
The country’s high-profile pundit in the natural resources sector aired the vital observation during his presentation on ‘Opportunities, Challenges and Trends of TFS Ecotourism’ on the second day of the Fourth TFS Centre Leaders and Commanders Conference in Morogoro.
Mr. Ibrahim Mussa
Mr. Mussa, whose career in the natural resources sector spans over four decades within the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, cited recent data indicating substantial growth in tourism across forest reserves.
He described TFS as a “sleeping giant” that must be strategically activated to realize its full potential.
According to the figures he presented, visitor numbers to forest reserves rose from 59,606 in 2020/21 to 152,954 by mid-2023/24, with a target of 500,000 visitors set for 2024/25.
Revenue similarly increased from TZS 154.9 million to TZS 1.27 billion over the same period, against a goal of TZS 3 billion.
Mr. Mussa emphasized that global trends are pushing institutions to diversify beyond reliance on timber and honey revenues, urging a shift toward integrated income streams that prioritize sustainable conservation, responsible resource use, and inclusive stakeholder engagement.
“Ecotourism is not merely about recreation—it is an instrument for bolstering the green economy, safeguarding biodiversity, and advancing conservation diplomacy,” he stated, referencing TFS strategies and national forest policy.
He highlighted opportunities arising from recent government measures, including Government Notice No. 132 of 2025, which regulates recreation in forest reserves, and amendments to investment regulations for eco-tourism infrastructure.
These changes, he noted, have improved the investment climate for eco-lodges and nature-based services.
Among the high-potential sites he identified were the Amani Nature Reserve, Pugu-Kazimzumbwi Forest Reserve, Magamba Forest Reserve, and Minziro Forest Reserve—each possessing unique ecological features capable of attracting niche tourism markets in search of pristine natural experiences.
Nevertheless, Mr. Mussa cautioned against several challenges, including invasive plant species, climate change impacts, border disputes, and the risk of prioritizing visitor numbers without assessing ecological consequences.
“While revenue and tourist figures are easily quantified, measuring conservation success is far more complex. We must avoid falling into a ‘niche trap’ without a clear understanding of our ecotourism quality standards,” he stressed.
In his recommendations, Mr. Mussa urged TFS to establish itself as a leader in green tourism, enhance data collection and analysis, adopt modern marketing approaches—including segmentation and positioning—and expand the use of technology such as drones for both marketing and visitor safety.
He further emphasized the need to ensure neighboring communities benefit from tourism initiatives, thereby strengthening local support for conservation.
Additionally, he called for greater private sector involvement in infrastructure investment to alleviate the financial burden on public institutions.
In informal discussions following the session, several TFS officials noted that the presentation had sparked deeper dialogue on balancing revenue generation with the agency’s fundamental mandate of environmental preservation.
About ecotourism
Ecotourism is responsible, nature-based travel that conserves the environment, supports local community well-being, and involves education.
It focuses on minimizing negative impacts, promoting conservation through tourism revenue, and fostering cultural appreciation. Key activities include visiting protected areas, hiking, and wildlife observation.
Core Principles of Ecotourism
Conservation: Actively contributes to protecting biodiversity, ecosystems, and natural habitats.
Sustainability: Focuses on long-term ecological, social, and economic health.
Education: Enhances visitor awareness and interpretation of natural and cultural heritage.
Community Empowerment: Supports local economies through jobs and sustainable development.
About The Author
