Tanzania’s Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Mohamed Mchengerwa, will launch a modern boat for maritime tourism in the Indian Ocean on March 14, and the acquisition of the boat reflects President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s efforts to boost tourism in the country.
The launch is part of an initiative for the sector to reach five million tourists and generate $6 million in revenue by 2025.
Mchengerwa said the boat, named Tawa Sea Cruiser, was locally built by the indigenous people of Tanzania through Songoro Marine Transport Ltd.
The boat is able to accommodate about 50 tourists at a time, but Mchengerwa is awaiting the start of the tourist boat.
Mchengerwa further pointed out that Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) has one of the most advanced boats equipped with the latest technology to provide guests with an exciting excursion.
He pointed out that the boat’s goggles contain unique lenses that allow passengers to comfortably view a variety of marine life.
This week alone, three ships carrying around 400 passengers from different countries disembarked in Tanzanian ports, reinforcing the rationale for building its own cruise ships in Tanzania.
Tanzania’s blue economy, which is largely supported by its sister island of Zanzibar, which is a major source of income for the East African region.
The country has masterfully combined its game reserves and beautiful waters to create one of Africa’s most attractive destinations, which is why it makes sense that Tanzania has its own fleet of cruise ships.
Just three weeks ago it was reported that Tanzania had built East Africa’s largest freshwater passenger and cargo ship, the MV Mwanza Hapa Kazi Tu, on Lake Victoria.
The vessel, which was launched Feb. 12 in Mwanza’s southern port, has a capacity of 1,200 people, 400 tons of cargo, 20 cars and three trucks. It is now 82% complete.
