Media Called Upon to Help Attract Foreign Tourists

By Anthony Kayanda and Robert Kakwesi

Kigoma — The media has been urged to help attract tourists from neighbouring countries like Zambia, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Speaking in Kigoma on Tuesday, chief conservationist of Gombe National Park Noelia Myonga said the number of tourists from those country was still small compared to those coming from overseas.

"You as reporters have an opportunity to boost the country's tourism sector by attracting tourists from neighbouring countries like Zambia, Burundi and the DRC. We need the number of tourists from those countries to increase. I urge you to play your role in attracting tourists from those countries to visit our national parks," said Myonga. Zambia, Burundi and the DRC Congo have no game reserves that can attract local and foreign tourists as the only place, where they can go to watch wildlife is Tanzania that has national parks such as Gombe, Mahale and Katavi.

For his part, Mr Edward Simon, who is the executive director of Kigoma's Kioo, a non-government organisation, which promotes tourism in the region, said promoting country's tourist attractions was the duty of every citizen. However, he admitted the media had a big role to play in educating people about tourist attractions found in the country.

He also appealed to the people to preserve nature for the benefit of present and future generations.

"If we are not serious enough the next three generations wouldn't see some of the tourists attraction we have. There will be no elephants, no lions and other wildlife species," said Mr Simon. Meanwhile, Uyui District CCM chairman in Tabora Region Mussa Ntimizi has commended reporters in the region for not reporting well during the past general election. Speaking in Tabora on Tuesday, Ntimizi, who is also Igalula MP (CCM), said the reporters in the region did a good job that deserved to be commended by anyone loving peace and development.