Tourist Sites Development for Sustainable Tourism in Tanzania: Experience of Mbeya and Songwe Regions

Abstract

Tourist sites hold the key to tourism, yet only the developed ones are amenable for tourists’ attraction. The study examined the status of tourist sites in the Mbeya and Songwe regions. It based on the hypothesis that the southern regions of Tanzania have many tourist sites that are lesser-known compared to the northern regions which have been well-known for a tourism destination in the country. The study employed an explorative research methodology. The study used an interview to collect data. Local government officials and traditional leaders in Mbozi and Rungwe districts were the main respondents. The study found that the southern regions of Mbeya and Songwe have rich in potential tourist sites. However, the sites are poorly developed for tourism purposes hence few tourists visit the places. These regions face limited budgetary issues for site development and poor management and use of the sites. The paper, therefore, recommends the government to develop and promote tourist sites in the two regions to suit tourist attractions and investment of tourism services.