VP inaugurates new heritage museum at Ngorongoro Conservation

ARUSHA: THE Tanzanian Vice President, Dr Philip Mpango, has graced the official opening of the new heritage museum at the Ngorongoro-Lengai Conservation Area worth over 32bn/-.

The heritage museum located in Karatu, Arusha Region, has been funded by the Chinese government.

Speaking during the launch in Arusha, the VP said that environmental protection and climate change should be given priority in the development and promotion of tourism to avoid ecological disruption and risks to the well-being of tourism activities.

Additionally, the VP said that due to environmental degradation, there is an interaction between wildlife and humans that leads to greater impacts, including deaths and damage to habitats and crops.

He has advised the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, through the Board of Directors and Management of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, to ensure that the museum’s infrastructure is maintained and used as intended. He also said it is important to put in place a good mechanism that will enable regular repairs and maintenance of the infrastructure and systems installed in the building.

“The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority is making deliberate efforts to involve the surrounding community in conservation activities in the area, including its customs and traditions.

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He also called on Tanzanians to create a culture of visiting attractions and historical sites to learn and experience the great wealth that the country has been endowed with.

” The government has taken various deliberate steps to ensure that it improves tourism services, including producing two popular films, “Tanzania: The Royal Tour” and “Amazing Tanzania”.

For his part, the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ambassador Dr. Pindi Chana, said the major reforms carried out in the Ministry have led to the strengthening of the tourism sector by increasing international tourists from 1.8 million tourists in 2023 to 2.1 million tourists in 2024.

She also said the number of domestic tourists has increased from 1.9 million to 3.2 million.