Hope, Chief and Mamas. Development of Cultural Tourism in Iringa, Tanzania

Abstract: Tanzania as a tourist destination has traditionally had a nature-oriented focus for the past years. However, cultural heritage is becoming more and more viewed as a source for tourist attractions which raises questions on global and local impact on commodification of culture, and what sort of cultural activities are chosen to attract international and national tourists. This thesis focuses on the development of cultural tourism in the Iringa region, Tanzania. With cultural tourism local history and heritage becomes regarded as resources for tourism; local Hehe-culture and the history of Hehe-resistance against colonialization becomes presented and reproduced towards tourists. The process of developing Iringa into a tourist destination highlights global interests and local attitudes towards representations of culture and heritage.