Tanzania to revamp national parks' roads to lure more tourists

Tanzania intends to improve road infrastructures getting into wildlife sanctuaries to allow easy access for tourists, a senior official has said.

Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Jumanne Maghembe disclosed this on Thursday while speaking with forest stakeholders and residents living close to the Mkomazi National Park.

Maghembe said that the move is meant to ensure that tourist destinations such as wildlife sanctuaries and forests are explored.

"So we are determined to improve road infrastructures leading to parks so that tourist destinations are easily accessed," the minister said.

According to Maghembe, tourism is the main source of government revenues, which in turn contribute to the development of the nation.

"This is part of the country's initiative to increase revenue collection from the tourism industry," he added.

Some of the people living close to the park commended the government move, saying it will have multiple impacts.

"This is a good idea as we'll be receiving tourists at the right time and reducing cost of tourists getting into the park," said Stephano Shemndolwa, a resident of Mlalo.

Covering an area of over 3,200 square km, Mkomazi National Park is located in northeastern Tanzania's Kilimanjaro and Tanga regions. It was established as a game reserve in 1951 and upgraded to be a national park in 2006. Endit