Arusha, Tanzania – The Government of Tanzania has unveiled a renewed strategic push to strengthen its tourism sector, aiming to build a sustainable industry that supports conservation and community development as the country transitions to upper-middle-income status.
The new initiative, announced during a high-level workshop in Arusha, seeks to consolidate earlier efforts to grow the tourism sector while preserving the nation’s rich natural heritage and improving livelihoods.
Speaking at the opening of the two-day forum titled "Conservation and Its Role in Tourism and Community Development in Tanzania", Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ambassador Dr Pindi Chana, stressed the importance of moving beyond donor dependency toward a self-sustaining economic model.
"As Tanzania shifts from a low-income to a middle-income economy, we must become strategic partners in development, not just recipients of aid," said Dr Chana.
"Sustainable tourism must benefit all Tanzanians not just through visitor numbers and revenues, but by uplifting communities and protecting the resources that attract those visitors in the first place."she added
Tanzania has seen remarkable growth in the tourism sector. Tourist arrivals increased from 1.7 million in 2021 to 5.3 million in 2024, with revenues rising from $1.3 billion to $3.9 billion over the same period.
However, Dr Chana warned against complacency, calling for intensified efforts to build on this momentum.
The country is home to some of the world’s most iconic wildlife, including the largest populations of lions, leopards, and buffaloes, and ranks third globally for its elephant population.
Combined with its diverse cultures, pristine beaches, and marine biodiversity, Tanzania holds vast untapped potential in tourism.
Dr Chana also called for greater investment in research to guide policy and decision-making in the tourism and conservation sectors.
“We must ensure our strategies are driven by data and expertise, so we can position Tanzania as a global leader in sustainable tourism while safeguarding our natural capital,” she said.
Organised by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism in partnership with the World Bank, the Arusha workshop is part of broader government efforts to boost domestic revenue from protected areas and integrate conservation into national development plans.
As global tourism recovers from pandemic-era disruptions, Tanzania is positioning itself to be a model for eco-friendly tourism in Africa where economic growth and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.