PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa has said that there is a great untapped potential in beach and dolphin tourism which, if properly utilised, could significantly increase the number of both domestic and foreign tourists.

 He made the remarks on Wednesday evening while addressing stakeholders and participants at the Tourism Night event, part of the Kizimkazi Festival 2024, held at Dimbani grounds in Zanzibar.

“We need to capitalise on opportunities in cultural, wildlife and beach tourism, to increase tourists and revenues. Here at Kizimkazi, we have the dolphins which have great potential for tourism. We should enhance beach tourism and leverage the dolphin to boost our tourism industry,” he said.

He cited an example of Cuba which attracts a large number of tourists for beach tourism. He said that Cuba has trained fish to interact with humans and even perform music.

“We in Tanzania have plenty of dolphins. Why not learn from their example and use this to expand our tourism opportunities?” he queried.

“There are many more opportunities beyond these, but we have not yet managed to expand our market through domestic tourism. We tend to think of tourism as only for foreigners; domestic tourism is another area that can increase the number of tourists in the country.”

To further develop the festival, the PM urged permanent secretaries from relevant ministries to support President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the festival’s founder, and the organising committee in attracting more participants and visitors from abroad.

“Promotion and advertising should commence six months before the festival to allow people to plan their budgets in advance. This will help build enthusiasm for the event. Ministries and relevant institutions should leverage social media, websites and media outlets to generate eagerness,” he advised.

Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga, Zanzibar Minister for Tourism and Heritage, stated that the event was organized as part of the Kizimkazi Festival 2024 to showcase investment opportunities and attractions in Zanzibar.

"We see this as an opportunity to promote our attractions, believing that doing so will draw more visitors to Zanzibar,” he said.

He urged tourists and investors visiting Zanzibar to pay attention to environmental conservation and preservation.

Hamis Mwijuma, Deputy Minister for Culture, Arts and Sports, emphasized the need to continue using culture as a catalyst for tourism.

“When we hold these festivals, we must ensure protection of our traditions and customs,” he said.