As part of efforts to untilize Lake Victoria’s potentials in creating jobs, boost tourism and generate income to Kagera Region residents, Tanzania based travel and tourism company Kiroyera Tours have organized a week long festival (July 1st- July 7th 2023) to that effect.
Lake Victoria is wildly known as the largest tropical lake, the second largest fresh lake in the world, and the first Africa largest lake by area, with a surface of approximately 59,947 km², the surface area divided into three nations, Tanzania owns 49 per cent (33,700 sq km), Uganda 45 pc (31,000 sq km), and Kenya 6 pc (4,100 sq km). Kiroyera Tours CEO, Mary Kalikawe, told journalists recently, that they are committed to see that Lake Victoria opportunities are fully tapped in generating regional economy. “This Lake hasn’t been fully utilised to boost tourism in the country. We have contacted and connected to people vessed with knowledge about opportunities to invest in Tourism in the lake”, said Kalikawe.
Furthermore, the event will see them visit various areas of interest, including National Parks of Burigi-Chato and Ibanda-Kyerwa, Waterfalls of Kyamunene and Bugonzi, Islands of Musira, Goziba and Bumbire and heritage and historical sites. “There are more than 400 participants from East African countries attending the East Africa Business, Agriculture and Tourism Exhibitions here in Bukoba, so we have allocated them this week to visit the interesting sites”, said Kalikawe.
Other activities lined up is a special conference on Unlocking Kagera Tourism Gateway for Job Creation and Income Generation, on the 7th of July, with Cuthbert Nkube, Executive President- Africa Tourism Board as the Chief Guest and Speaker. There will also be a gala night on the 8th July for inaugural Super Kalemera Tourism Award. The award named after Lake Victoria tour guide the late Superious Kalemera (aka Mr Super), is to celebrate individuals and organizations who have excelled in delivering tourism services over the past 12 months. Chief guest at the gala ceremony will be Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Mohamed Mchengerwa.
By Mutayoba Arbogast
