TANAPA board invites investment in Nyerere National Park to boost southern tourism

Morogoro. The Board of Trustees for the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) has invited investors to establish ventures within Nyerere National Park.

The initiative aims to significantly boost tourism in the country’s southern circuit, which in turn is expected to enhance the socio-economic welfare and development of local communities.

Speaking during an inspection tour of the Mtemere Airstrip project, which is located inside the vast conservation area, the chairman of the Tanapa Board of Trustees, Gen George Waitara (Rtd), expressed his satisfaction with the pace of the airstrip's completion.

Gen Waitara then made a strong call to the investment community to capitalise on the opportunities available within the park.

“We have toured the Mtemere Airstrip project, which is being constructed using Polymer Technology and is nearing completion. The buildings for tourist reception, air traffic control, and the fire station are already finished. We are inviting investors to come and develop accommodation facilities within this park to stimulate tourism in Southern Tanzania,” said Genl Waitara.

Infrastructure expansion set to receive major airlines

Earlier, in his progress report on the REGROW projects, a government initiative focused on enhancing tourism infrastructure, to the Board, the Assistant Conservation Commissioner and Chief Park Warden of Nyerere National Park, Ephraim Mwangomo, highlighted the projected impact of the new airfield.

With the airstrip at 98 percent completion, the park anticipates a substantial increase in visitor numbers, as it will be capable of receiving larger aircraft, thereby boosting national revenue from the tourism sector.

“Nyerere National Park expects a major influx of tourists following the completion of various ongoing projects within the park,” explained Mr Mwangomo.

He cited as an example that the airstrip will be able to handle aircraft with up to 50 passengers, such as the ATR42, alongside smaller planes.

The increased capacity will stimulate a rise in both tourist numbers and the government's revenue derived from conservation and tourism activities.

 Adopting eco-friendly polymer technology

Engineer Michael Joseph, the Principal Conservation Officer and supervisor of the project, elaborated on the benefits of employing the new 'Polymer' technology for the Mtemere Airstrip.

He noted that the innovative material is designed to ensure the airstrip's long-term durability while maintaining environmental compatibility with the natural ecosystem.

“The Polymer technology used for the top layer of the runway provides a durable surface that significantly reduces dust in the areas used for take-off, landing, and aircraft parking. This will improve and strengthen aircraft operations within the park, leading to sustainable and eco-friendly development that is safe for the environment and wildlife,” Eng Michael clarified.

The visit by the TANAPA Board of Trustees to Nyerere National Park is part of a continuous programme of inspecting development projects being implemented across the National Parks network to upgrade infrastructure for tourists.