A sharp rise in visitors to eco-tourism attractions managed by the Tanzania Forest Services Agency has highlighted Tanzania’s growing appeal as a nature tourism destination, with tourist numbers increasing by 20 percent and revenue surpassing TZS 3 billion within a year.
Presenting the 2026/27 budget speech for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism in Parliament in Dodoma on Thursday, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Ashatu Kijaji said 329,753 tourists visited TFS-managed eco-tourism sites by April 2026, up from 275,723 visitors recorded during the same period last year.
The increase translated into a significant jump in earnings, with revenue climbing to TZS 3.09 billion from TZS 2.16 billion in the previous year, representing a 43 percent increase.
The latest figures underline the growing importance of eco-tourism in Tanzania’s tourism industry as travellers increasingly seek nature-based experiences, including forest trails, mountains, waterfalls and conservation destinations.
Dr Kijaji said the government has continued investing in tourism infrastructure to improve accessibility and visitor experience across forest reserves and eco-tourism sites managed by TFS.
As part of the efforts, the agency constructed six tourism gates in strategic destinations including Meru, Vikindu, Mount Rungwe and Lake Duluti.
TFS also rehabilitated 287.14 kilometres of hiking trails and internal forest roads, while upgrading eight tourist camps to accommodate the growing number of visitors.
The sector has also benefited from tourism festivals and environmental sporting events that attracted thousands of participants and visitors this year.
Among the events were the “Tukutane Mt. Rungwe Season II”, “Lake Ngosi”, “Meru Adventure Race” and “Kalambo Waterfalls Tourism Festival”.
The minister said the government plans to intensify investment in eco-tourism infrastructure during the 2026/27 financial year as Tanzania prepares to host major international events, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and the Miss World pageant.
She said the strategy aims to position Tanzania as one of Africa’s leading eco-tourism destinations while expanding economic opportunities for communities living near forests and conservation areas.
