ARUSHA: RESIDENTS of villages surrounding Serengeti National Park are looking to the newly established golf course as a potential source of jobs, business opportunities and increased household incomes through tourism-related activities.
Robanda Village Chairperson, Mr Yohana Mzalendo, said the facility could create demand for accommodation, food and other services while attracting investors to the area.
He said residents were ready to work with investors interested in establishing businesses, adding that increased tourism activity could support village development.
Park Nyigoti Village Chairperson, Mr Matiro Manyeresa, said the golf course could help residents diversify their sources of income beyond conservation-related activities, livestock keeping and farming.
“Residents in this area engage in conservation activities, livestock keeping and farming, so new economic opportunities could help them diversify their sources of income,” he said.
Serengeti District Commissioner, Ms Angelina Marco, said the golf course was a new tourism attraction expected to increase visitor numbers and tourism revenue in the area.
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She said the growth of tourism could create opportunities across different sectors, adding that Tanzanians had already secured jobs related to serving visitors to the facility.
Serengeti National Park Community Relations Officer, Mr Abed Mwesigwa, said the golf course was expected to contribute to the development of communities surrounding the park, create employment opportunities and strengthen relations between residents and park authorities.
He said Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) had been supporting community development in villages surrounding protected areas through projects involving classrooms, teachers’ houses, health facilities, water supply and roads, using revenue generated from tourism.
TANAPA has constructed the Serengeti National Park golf course at Fort Ikoma, on the outskirts of the park, as part of efforts to expand tourism attractions and create economic opportunities.