World Tourism Day National Youth Symposium

• Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (name TBC);
• Mr. Michel Toto, UNESCO Representative;
• Mr. Reynald Maeda, Executive Director of the UNA;
• Private Sector and Civil Society Representatives;
• Members of the media, Young people,

Habari za Asubuhi!

I am happy to be with you today to celebrate World Tourism Day. Congratulations to YUNA and the organizers for bringing this event together. Today allows us not only to appreciate the essence of tourism but also encourages us to contemplate its potential to drive inclusive growth, protect Tanzania’s natural resources, and preserve its invaluable cultural heritage.

Tourism is an important economic force for nations worldwide and this is also the case in Tanzania. Tourism generates substantial revenue and creates significant employment opportunities. In 2019, tourism contributed to Tanzania's GDP at 10.6%. This statistic underscores the sector's vital role in the livelihoods of people throughout the country.

Like in many countries, Tanzania’s tourism sector felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and a drop in tourist arrivals. However, it has also shown resilience and is now on a path to recovery. Tourism is a cornerstone of Tanzania's economy, and its importance should continue growing.

However, for tourism to be truly inclusive and sustainable, it is vital to ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, age, or ability, has an opportunity to benefit from it. It is of paramount importance that the local communities residing in areas hosting various tourist attractions, such as national parks, coastal regions, or cultural heritage sites, can reap the benefits of employment and income generated by tourism.

As highlighted in the SDG Agenda, tourism needs to be conducted in a sustainable manner, requiring a well-balanced approach that thoroughly considers its present and future economic, social, and environmental effects. This approach will address the diverse needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and the local host communities.

These imperatives find their relevance in both the global and national themes for this year’s tourism day commemorations. The UN World Tourism Organization has chosen the global theme for this year as "Tourism and Green Investment," which urges Governments, development partners, the private sector and other stakeholders to make investments that benefit not only our people but also our planet and prosperity.

The theme that we are discussing today, 'My Heritage, My Pride' is closely aligned with this vision. It calls for a renewed commitment to preserving and celebrating Tanzania’s cultural heritage while advancing sustainable tourism. This theme underscores the importance of embracing the country’s cultural wealth as a source of both pride and sustainable tourism development. In doing so, we can pave the way for harmonizing Tanzania’s rich heritage with the principles of responsible and green tourism.

As the UN, we have been supporting efforts to strengthen the tourism sector, with a strong commitment to environmental conservation, in diverse areas, all over the country. We have actively supported authorities to combat illegal wildlife poaching and we are also supporting efforts to protect Tanzania’s precious biodiversity. Additionally, we have championed the adoption of innovative green technologies, fostering sustainability in the industry and safeguarding UNESCO sites, which are integral to our global heritage.

Moreover, during the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19, we have collaborated with the Government and tourism sector to implement safety measures. These measures were put in place to ensure that tourists felt safe, underlining our unwavering dedication to both the industry's resilience and the well-being of all those involved.

The UN continues to call for a holistic approach to tourism, one that embraces sustainability, inclusivity, cultural pride, and environmental stewardship. As we continue to work hand in hand with the Government, partners, and communities, we hope that our collective efforts will pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable tourism sector.

The presence and active participation of all of you today is a testament of the commitment to shaping a brighter future through the lens of tourism.

Asanteni sana!