DAR ES SALAAM – Tanzania has reported a significant increase in foreign tourist arrivals and earnings from the tourism sector in 2023, according to the Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Angellah Kairuki. The number of international visitors rose to 1,808,205, a notable 24.3 percent increase from the 1,454,920 arrivals in 2022.
In a statement made on Friday, Minister Kairuki highlighted that this growth has positioned Tanzania as a leading tourist destination post-COVID-19. The country ranked second in Africa and 12th globally among the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s best-performing destinations from January to December 2023.
The financial impact of this influx has been substantial. Earnings from the tourism industry surged from 2.5 billion US dollars in 2022 to 3.4 billion dollars in 2023. Minister Kairuki remarked, “This is a huge achievement that we should feel proud of,” underscoring the significance of these developments for Tanzania’s economy.
In addition to general tourism, Tanzania has also seen a rise in revenues from specialised activities. Over the past four months, the country earned 2.7 million dollars from tourist hunting concession fees, further diversifying and strengthening its tourism portfolio.
The impressive recovery and growth in Tanzania’s tourism sector reflect the country’s successful efforts in promoting its rich natural and cultural heritage to the world. As global travel continues to rebound from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Tanzania’s performance stands out as a testament to its resilience and appeal as a premier travel destination.
The Tanzanian government is expected to continue investing in the tourism sector to sustain this growth trajectory, ensuring that both tourists and the local economy continue to benefit from the nation’s abundant attractions.
