Tourism is a collection of activities, services and industries that deliver a travel experience, including transportation, accommodations, eating and drinking establishments, retail shops, entertainment businesses, activity facilities and other hospitality services provided for individuals or groups traveling away from home.
In order to prevent the disaccords to define "Tourism", UNWTO defined it as indicated below; "Tourism comprises the activities of persons traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes."
Tourism is currently one of the leading economic sectors in Tanzania and has unlimited potential to contribute even more to the development of the country. Blessed with unique natural and cultural attractions, Tanzania is well placed to become a leader of tourism in the region. To date, tourism industry has been relying primarily on wildlife resources as the major attraction, with up to 90 percent of all tourists taking part in wildlife safaris or hunting. Recently, the need to diversify away from wildlife tourism (as well as complement it) and develop other attractions has been recognized by both the public and private sectors. (Alcorn, J., A. Kajuni, and B. Winterbottom. 2002).
Njombe region is one of the areas that have vast, untapped potential to attract tourism investment. The opportunities and constraints to sustainable tourism development are the key focuses of this plan.
Njombe Region has a number of tourists’ attractions and products. The development of these products and attractions will not just simply happen, it has to be stimulated, directed and the activities of the various tourism enterprises coordinated. This means that, having appropriate institutional framework, legislation and organizational structures in place; having an attractive climate for enterprise development and investment; having a skilled labor force capable of meeting international service standards; having a destination campaign to create strong market awareness; having knowledge and understanding of the market dynamics. This is a necessary step as Council/Town Directors and District Commissioners will be required to come up with plans and funding to develop these attractions. Below are the attractions in each of the District Councils in Njombe Region:-
