Tanzania has once again been recognized among Africa’s top performers in tourism, as the country joined the global community in celebrating World Tourism Day on September 27.
According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Tanzania has recorded one of the highest growth rates in tourist arrivals on the continent.
Speaking at the World Tourism Day celebrations held at the Ngorongoro Conservation Area picnic site, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr. Hassan Abbasi, highlighted that the UNWTO 2024 report ranked Tanzania as Africa’s leading country in post-COVID-19 tourism recovery, with a 48% increase in international tourist arrivals. Ethiopia (40%), Morocco (35%), Kenya (11%), and Tunisia (9%) followed.
Dr. Abbasi noted that the 2025 report positions Tanzania among the top 20 countries globally performing strongly in the tourism sector, with an average growth exceeding 50%.
“International tourist arrivals increased from 922,692 in 2021 to 2,141,895 in 2024, representing a 132.1% rise.
Domestic tourists also surged from 788,933 in 2021 to 3,218,352 in 2024, a 307.9% increase. Overall, by December 2024, combined domestic and international arrivals reached 5,360,247, an increase of 107.2%,” he said.
The growth in tourism has translated into substantial revenue gains. Dr. Abbasi reported that sector earnings rose from USD 1.3 billion in 2021 to USD 3.9 billion in 2024, equivalent to a 200% increase.
He attributed these achievements to the implementation of the 2020–2025 CCM Election Manifesto, which targets attracting five million tourists and generating USD six billion in revenue by next year.
From January to July 2025, tourist arrivals grew by 9.2%, reaching 1.27 million compared to 1.16 million during the same period in 2024.
Dr. Abbasi emphasized that the Sixth Phase Government under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan has reinforced the sector through infrastructure improvements, adoption of ICT solutions, and international promotional campaigns such as The Royal Tour and Amazing Tanzania, elevating the country’s global tourism profile.
Tanzania has also continued to shine internationally by receiving multiple awards from the World Travel Awards (WTA), presented by World Luxury Media Group Limited.
Dr. Abbasi encouraged citizens to actively participate in tourism activities in line with the 1999 National Tourism Policy and the Tourism Act, Cap. 65, and called on the private sector to partner with government in driving the industry’s growth.
This year’s celebrations were held under the theme: “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, aiming to inspire innovation, professional development, business growth, and community engagement in the expansion of Tanzania’s tourism sector.