Tanzania's tourism sector continues to post strong growth, with annual revenue expected to reach 6 billion U.S. dollars this year, according to the country’s ministry of tourism.
Tourism remains one of Tanzania's biggest foreign exchange earners after gold, supporting more than 1.5 million jobs and serving as a key income source for many Tanzanians.
Looking to grow the sector, authorities have set a bold target: attracting eight million international visitors annually by 2030.
"We want to ensure that over the next five years, the tourism sector contributes 20 percent to our national economy, up from the current 17.5 percent," said Ashatu Kijaji, Tanzania’s minister of tourism.
China, Russia, and India have now been identified as key growth markets for Tanzania's tourism industry, according to Tanzanian authorities.
Some hotels are already adjusting their services to appeal to overseas visitors, particularly those from China, according to Venance Mkisi, marketing manager at the Peacock Hotel in Dar es Salaam on Tanzania’s Indian Ocean coast.
"Chinese tourists prefer using booking platforms from their home country, so we are planning to join those platforms. We are also preparing to introduce a Chinese chef because we know many visitors appreciate having familiar food prepared professionally," Mkisi said.
This year, authorities are targeting a similar number of visitors as last year's 5.9 million, potentially bringing in 6 billion U.S. dollars in revenue, significantly more than the record 4.2 billion U.S. dollars made last year.
To meet its 2030 target, the government says it will boost service quality and intensify both domestic and international promotion of Tanzania's attractions.
Tanzania tourism sector on the rise, targeting 6 bln USD revenue in 2026
