THE government has highlighted the crucial role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and involvement of local communities in determining the future of the nation's tourism sector.

Speaking at the launch of the tourism policy reform summit held in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Natural Resources and Tourism Minister Dr Pindi Chana emphasized the necessity of collaborative framework that underscores the importance of PPPs and community engagement.

The event, titled 'Blue & Green: Making the Most of Tanzania's Coast and Hinterland Ecosystems', was organized by the Tourism Confederation of Tanzania (TCT) in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism and EnviroSasa.

Deputy Tourism Director Phillip Chitaunga delivered Dr Chana's remarks, underscoring the importance of cooperation among the government, tourism industry and local communities to turn this vision into reality.

Dr Chana stressed: "By harmonizing our local, regional and national goals, we strive to develop a tourism model that is economically sound, environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive."

During the two-day summit which brought together almost 100 participants from both the public and private sectors, stakeholders will actively participate in the Blue-Green Programme with focus on sustainable tourism development for the coastal and hinterland areas. 

Dr Chana articulated the vision: "Our objective is to foster a tourism industry that not only honours our diverse natural landscapes—from the untouched shores of the Indian Ocean to our thriving hinterlands—but also safeguards these treasures for the benefit of future generations."

Moreover, Dr Chana emphasized the importance of ensuring that the advantages of tourism reach local communities, thereby enhancing livelihoods and fostering resilience. 

Chairman of Tourism Confederation of Tanzania (TCT) Moustafa Khataw highlighted the summit as a crucial opportunity to formulate actionable strategies for sustainable development, focusing on economic growth, environmental conservation and social inclusivity. 

Khataw emphasized TCT's role as the leading organization connecting Tanzanian tourism private sector with governmental initiatives. 

"By endorsing PAMOJA framework, we champion a bottom-up approach in policy and planning, promoting community-driven initiatives at the district level," he stated. The strategic direction aligns with TCT's partnerships with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism and other key stakeholders.