Tanzania Forestry Service Agency targets promoting tourism

The event is set to involve a car rally slated to take place in the Sao Hill Forest located in Iringa.

Conservationist and Head of Tourism Promotion at TFS, Anna Lawuo, told journalists in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday that the rally will be held on May 14, adding the participants from in and outside the country have already registered for the showdown.

She said the rally aims to support efforts initiated by President Samia Suluhu Hassan to promote tourism in Tanzania.

"We have come up with a new tourism activity involving car rallies in the forest. We have about 24 forests that are suitable for rallies such as motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians and we also have 20 forests suitable for eco-tourism," Anna said.

She said they hope the showpiece will attract a lot of motorsports followers because people have shown an urge to visit the forests and watch the race.

"It is a place where many people can come and find various investment opportunities, we have many roads and we can do long, short races and even walking," she said.

She added that Sao Hill Forest moreover has a good climate that allows other activities such as camping, and welcoming entrepreneurs who will invest in food and accommodation during the rally.

Iringa Motor Sports Club's Chairman, Amjad Khan, said they are grateful to TFS for giving them places to coordinate the showdown which will help in promoting tourism in the country.

He said it is a good opportunity for them to collaborate with the government, adding they aim to develop the sport and promote tourism through the Iringa forests.

Khan said they have so far registered 15 participants from across East Africa, adding they will race 20 kilometers and 26 kilometers and the winner will walk away with a prize.

He moreover said that the competition is expected to attract various visitors who will be out to savour the forest and watch the rally drivers battle it out in the showdown.