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Tanzania has reached a major milestone in its tourism industry by attracting 5.3 million visitors last year, exceeding its ambitious goal of 5 million tourists by 2025.
Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ambassador Dr. Pindi Chana, reported that last year saw 2,141,895 international visitors and 3,218,352 domestic tourists.
The revenue generated from tourism amounted to 3.9 billion US dollars, an increase from the 3.3 billion US dollars earned from 3.9 million tourists in 2023.
Tanzania aims to achieve a revenue target of 6 billion US dollars (approximately 14 trillion shillings) from 5 million tourists by the end of this year, as outlined in the Third Five-Year Development Plan (FYDP III) for 2020/2021 to 2025/2026 and the ruling party CCM Election Manifesto for 2020-2025.
During a celebration event for the tourism sector in Dar es Salaam on Friday, Dr. Chana praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her visionary leadership and steadfast dedication, which have contributed to this achievement.
“Thanks to her efforts, Tanzania has gained enhanced visibility on the global tourism stage, and we continuously see the positive outcomes of this progress,” Dr. Chana stated. She reiterated the government’s commitment to further developing the tourism sector.
She emphasized that the ministry will persist in its initiatives to promote and strengthen the sector, driving significant growth within the industry and boosting its contribution to national development.
Ambassador Chana also mentioned that her ministry will continue to collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure ongoing growth in the sector and maintain Tanzania’s status as a leading global destination.
“The ministry is dedicated to elevating Tanzania’s tourism sector to greater heights, ensuring it competes effectively on the international stage. The government will work closely with stakeholders to improve services, enhance infrastructure, and expand tourism markets, ensuring Tanzania remains a top global travel destination,” she added.
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In comments made by Mr. Timotheo Mnzava, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Land, Natural Resources and Tourism, he commended the government for its strong political will in promoting the tourism sector.
He acknowledged that while the sector has significantly contributed to national revenue, further efforts are needed to enhance revenue collection. “Achieving our tourism targets is a significant accomplishment, but we still have work ahead regarding revenue. We are currently at 4 billion US dollars with a goal of reaching 6 billion US dollars,” he remarked. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr. Hassan Abbasi, indicated that the ministry’s strategic plan aims to meet and exceed the 6 billion US dollar revenue target by December 2025.
The event was attended by key government officials, representatives from the tourism industry, and private sector stakeholders. According to tourism sector indicators, the real growth rate is projected to increase from 1.5% to 2% by 2025/26.
The plan anticipates an increase in the average number of nights spent by tourists from 13 to 14, while average expenditure per tourist per day (both non-package and package) is expected to rise from the current figures of 216/379 US dollars to 326/455 US dollars by 2025/26.
The sector is projected to employ a total of 1,750,000 people, up from the current 1,500,000. Additionally, the share of foreign exchange earnings is expected to grow from 25% to 27%. He noted that Serengeti National Park has consistently been recognized as Africa’s leading national park for five consecutive years, attracting a substantial number of tourists and contributing significantly to state revenues.
Source :Daily News
