The Lake Zone International Cultural and Tourism Festival started in Bariadi District, Simiyu Region, yesterday with a tremendous impact as the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism said it would continue investing in cultural tourism to further promote Tanzanian culture.

This was by Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Dunstan Kitandula during the opening of the Lake Zone International Cultural and Tourism Festival organised by Kilimanjaro One Travel and Tours. The event runs for three consecutive days, namely July 5, 6 and 7 at Bariadi CCM Stadium.

The Deputy Minister, who was accompanied by Bariadi District Commissioner Simon Simalenga and other leaders, said the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism and the Government in general “supports this festival of its kind which combines both culture and tourism."

He said Simiyu residents had a unique culture which had not yet been well-publicised for tourists to go to Simiyu Region and see for themselves. "For us, tourism includes Tanzanians themselves from all corners of this country, and not just visitors from abroad.”

He said by collaborating with the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Sports they would ensure it was publicised in a unique way.

He explained that Simiyu Region had many tourist attractions and called on festival participants to find time to visit some, if not all of them.

Kilimanjaro One Travel and Tours Executive Director Christina Jengo said the festival was expected to bring together more than 7,000 participants for the three days.

"We expect to have various dances, including those of Galu and Gika groups, dancing with snakes and hyenas, trade shows as well as traditional tools and medicine," he said.

He thanked festival sponsors, who included NMB Bank, Tanzania Tourism Board (TTB), People's Bank of Zanzibar (PBZ), Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC), Z&M General Traders, Widescope Enterprises Limited, and Carehealth and Hospitality Services. “I believe that after this first festival this year, other organisations will see the importance of supporting next year's event because I have been informed that this will be held annually.”

Representative of the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Sports who is also Cultural Officer Nyambeho Magesa hailed Kilimanjaro One Travel and Tours Company for heeding and supporting President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s call to start a festival in every region as they had done.

He said the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Sports would continue collaborating with Kilimanjaro One Travel and Tours and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism to promote cultural tourism.

Various groups had an opportunity to perform on the first day, which attracted hundreds of Bariadi residents, as the climax of the event is expected to be on Saba Saba Day (July 7).