Members of Parliament have praised the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism for its outstanding efforts in promoting Tanzania’s tourism sector, which have led to a remarkable increase in both international and domestic tourist arrivals, as well as government revenue.
According to recent statistics, the number of international tourists grew from 922,692 in 2021 to 2,141,895 in 2024. During the same period, domestic tourism saw a substantial rise from 788,933 to 3,218,352 visitors.
Government revenue from the sector also experienced a significant boost, increasing from TZS 397.42 billion in the 2020/2021 fiscal year to TZS 901.08 billion in 2023/2024.
Notably, in the current fiscal year (July 2024 to April 2025), the Ministry has already collected TZS 912.90 billion representing 94.2% of its annual target marking the highest revenue ever recorded in the history of Tanzania’s tourism sector.
These commendations were made during a parliamentary session debating the Ministry’s 2025/26 budget, presented by the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ambassador Dr. Pindi Hazara Chana.
She requested parliamentary approval of TZS 359.98 billion to support the Ministry's ongoing programs.
In his contribution, Moshi Rural MP Prof. Patrick Ndakidemi congratulated the Ministry, its conservation institutions, and tourism stakeholders for successfully elevating Tanzania’s profile on the global stage. He attributed the growth in tourist numbers to strategic promotional efforts.
“We must continue marketing our tourism attractions in countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Japan, France, India, and Australia. Where possible, let us produce promotional films in the native languages of these countries. We should also leverage international airlines, global media platforms, major football leagues, and renowned celebrities to promote our destinations. Furthermore, Tanzania should maintain its presence at international tourism expos such as ITB Berlin, France’s ITN, and the EAC Tourism Expo,” said Prof. Ndakidemi.
Korogwe Rural MP Timotheo Mnzava recommended that conservation institutions be given greater autonomy to collect and manage revenue generated from tourism and conservation activities.
He emphasized that such a move would support infrastructure development, the construction of ranger posts, and the installation of electric fences along protected area boundaries to reduce human-wildlife conflicts.
Kyerwa MP Innocent Bilakwate commended the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) for their effective management of conservation and tourism.
He urged the Ministry to ensure that tourism promotion remains continuous and dynamic, suggesting the expanded use of livestreaming platforms and the strengthening of Tanzania Tourist Board’s (TTB) digital marketing center.
Hai MP Saashisha Mafue called for the continued identification and development of geological tourism sites (geoparks), noting that these would diversify tourism products and encourage a more even distribution of visitors across different regions of the country.
Meanwhile, Moshi Urban MP Priscus Tarimo commended the Government for upgrading the Loduare–Golini road in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
He urged further investment in internal (feeder) roads within protected areas to improve accessibility to more remote and scattered tourist attractions.