Tanzania gets new Tourism Minister

Mr Lazaro Nyalandu, the new Minister of Tourism

TANZANIA- In his newly-reshuffled cabinet, Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete announced on Sunday morning that he has appointed Mr. Lazaro Nyalandu as the new Tourism Minister, taking over from Khamis Kagasheki who had resigned from the post last month on allegations of human rights abuse during anti-poaching operations.

Mr. Nyalandu who was Deputy Minister to Mr. Kagasheki in the same ministry, was promoted into a full ministerial portfolio on Sunday when President Kikwete made minor changes in his ministerial cabinet.

He will be responsible for daily administration of Tanzanian's natural resources made up of wildlife and forests, tourism, and the travel trade, while monitoring challenges facing Tanzania’s tourist industry at this time when Tanzania’s tourism marketing campaign is facing budgetary constraints.

The new Tourism Minister will also be responsible for overseeing daily activities affecting his ministry's departments, including wildlife and forest resources, which members of parliament and the Tanzanian people have complained of being looted by foreign companies.

The Natural Resources and Tourism Ministry is also responsible for controlling key tourist sites, including the 16 tourist national parks, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area where the famous Ngorongoro Crater is located, and the Selous Game Reserve - the biggest and most natural wildlife reserve in Africa.

Tanzania, the largest country in East Africa, is focused on wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism, with approximately 28 percent of the land protected by the government. It boasts 15 national parks and 31 game reserves, all falling under the administration of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism.