MNRT: THE MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND TOURISM has begun using the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF) as a classroom on how to serve visitors who will arrive in the country during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2027) to be held later next year.
The assessment is being done through visitors arriving at the Sabasaba Pavilion and visiting Dar es Salaam City attractions of Pande Game Reserve and Pugu Kazimzumbwi Natural Forest Reserve.
Tanzania Forest Fund (TaFF) Chief Executive Officer Dr. Tuli Msuya has expressed optimism about how the attractions are currently being used as preparations to receive the large number of tourists who will arrive in the country during the AFCON.
Dr. Tuli also said he has high hopes for the achievement of the New Vision to Increase the Number of Tourist Arrivals (ATM) to 8 million by 2030, after visiting and inspecting the pavilions inside the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism Building at Sabasaba Parks, Kilwa Road in Dar es Salaam today, July 3, 2026.
“I am satisfied with the steps taken by TAWA (Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority) in serving visitors to Pande Park, but also TFS (Tanzania Forestry Agency) for visitors visiting Pugu Kazimzumbwi Natural Forest Reserve.
“These attractions here in Dar es Salaam are very important for visitors who come here for the Sabasaba Fair, and those who will come during the AFCON Championship.
“More importantly, these strategies demonstrate the significant and deliberate efforts being made by the Government, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism and its Institutions, as well as various stakeholders in achieving the National goal of reaching 8 million tourists by 2030,” said Dr. Tuli.
The ATM 2030 logo, with AT (Eight) representing the number 8, M representing the number of tourists in Millions, and 2030 representing the Year, was launched by the Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Hon. Dr. Ashatu Kijaji, April 19, this year, in Arusha explaining the new Vision to increase the number of tourists to 8 million, by 2030.
By the end of April, this year, Tanzania had recorded a record of reaching 5.9 million tourists, an increase of more than 100 percent set to reach 5 million tourists, by 2026.
TaFF PROGRESSES CLOSING OF ANNUAL GRANT APPLICATION WINDOW
In another step, the Chief Executive Officer of the Tanzania Forest Fund Dr. Tuli said that in listening to the opinions of stakeholders participating in the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair, TaFF will make improvements in the opening of the grant application window for stakeholders starting from next year’s Fair.
He said that this year’s window closed on June 30, but based on the comments and advice of stakeholders, starting next year the window will be open in July and August, to enable stakeholders visiting the Sabasaba and Nane Nane Exhibitions to benefit from the grant application.
“Since we at TaFF are attentive, and after hearing the comments of our stakeholders after visiting the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism Pavilion today, starting next year there will be changes to the installation of the application window so that those who will arrive at Sabasaba and Nane Nane can benefit from this grant for various conservation activities,” said Dr. Tuli.
In addition, the Chief Executive, after inspecting the pavilions, expressed satisfaction with the participation of the Ministry, Institutions under the Ministry and various stakeholders in showcasing the various activities carried out by the Sixth Phase Government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan in managing conservation and tourism in the country.
“After inspecting the pavilions today, I must say clearly that I am very pleased with the great work being done from the Ministry level, its institutions and our stakeholders with whom we have been collaborating in conservation and tourism activities.
“I am also happy to hear that animals have been added as this year there are giraffes and elephants as well. These attractions are very helpful in increasing the number of local and foreign visitors,” said Dr. Tuli.
The 50th DITF exhibition was officially opened today by the President of Mozambique, His Excellency Daniel Chapo, and will continue until July 13, 2026, the last day to conclude the 50th Jubilee since its inception.
