We need to develop sustainable coastal tourism industry

-on coastal and cultural tourism has been recognised.

Blessed with world-class coastal natural and cultural attractions, the potential for coastal tourism development is unlimited. It is important, however, that this development is undertaken in an environmentally, socially and culturally sensitive manner. The natural and cultural resources on which coastal tourism is based need to be conserved if the industry is to be sustainable. Since many different economic activities occur along the coast, it is imperative that all relevant resource users work together in a coordinated manner. Therefore we need priority actions that need to be taken in order to develop a sustainable coastal tourism industry.

A beach is a landform alongside a body of water which consists of loose particles. The particles composing a beach are typically made from rock, such as sand, gravel, shingle, pebbles. The particles can also be biological in origin, such as mollusc shells Some beaches have man-made infrastructure, such as lifeguard posts, changing rooms, showers, shacks and bars. They may also have hospitality venues such as resorts, camps, hotels, and restaurants nearby.

Marine conservation, also known as ocean conservation, refers to the study of marine plants and animal resources and ecosystem functions. It is the protection and preservation of ecosystems in oceans and seas through planned management in order to prevent the exploitation of these resources.

The African Tourism Board (ATB) has said will cooperate with African countries to develop beach tourism, marine tourist resources and sports tourism which are best tourist products in Africa in need for local and international marketing and promotional strategies.

Beach and marine resources tourism along the Eastern Coast of the Indian Ocean are potential tourist products in Africa in need for development and exposure to international tourists.

Sinda Marine Island off-the Indian Ocean coast in Dar es Salaam, could attract big numbers of international-class tourists.

Indeed Africa needs to diversify its tourist attractions available in the continent other than wildlife resources – the leading tourist attraction in the continent.

Let us expose our islands in this continent to local, regional and international tourists. Tanzania has seven protected Marine Parks, best for beach tourism, mostly swimming, scuba diving, underwater sports and marine life excursions. Our Marine Parks in Tanzania are not well marketed to attract big numbers of tourists.

The government and other stakeholders should take quick initiatives that would help to develop, then market and promote marine tourism through joint partnership with ATB.

Africa needs diversified tourism with a focus to marine or beach resources, sports and cultural tourism, all of which are intact and untouched. Southern beaches on the Indian Ocean coast in Tanzania are rated as the “New Tourist Corridor”. Kigamboni suburb in the area is now an upcoming tourist and luxury satellite city in Dar es Salaam.

Known as the “South Beach Zone,” Kigamboni city hosts a number of high-class tourist accommodation and recreational facilities in its long beach stretch south of Dar es Salaam Central Business District (CBD).

South Beach Zone in Tanzania is counted to be attractive destination for beach holidaymakers from all corners of the world. ATB should now work hard to identify, develop and then expose the African tourist products at the international travel markets as to attract more visitors to visit this continent. Africa needs to build a strong tourism base in areas of culture, wildlife and other heritages available in this continent.