UN NAMES TANZANIA A LEADER IN TOURISM GROWTH.




By Our Correspondent


Tanzania has joined other nations around the globe in marking World Tourism Day, celebrated annually on September 27, while continuing to be recognized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) as one of the leading African countries in terms of tourist growth.


Speaking at the climax of the celebrations held at Ngorongoro Conservation Area (picnic site), the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr. Hassan Abbasi, said the 2024 UN Tourism report named Tanzania the top country in Africa in tourist growth after the COVID-19 pandemic, recording a 48% increase. Tanzania was followed by Ethiopia (40%), Morocco (35%), Kenya (11%), and Tunisia (9%).


Dr. Abbasi further explained that the 2025 report ranked Tanzania among the world’s top 20 countries performing best in the tourism sector, with an average growth rate of more than 50%.


“The number of international tourists increased from 922,692 in 2021 to 2,141,895 in 2024, equivalent to a growth of 132.1%. Likewise, domestic tourists increased from 788,933 in 2021 to 3,218,352 in 2024, a growth of 307.9%. In total, by December 2024, both international and domestic tourists reached 5,360,247, reflecting an overall growth of 107.2%,” said Dr. Abbasi.


He added that revenue from the sector grew from USD 1.3 billion in 2021 to USD 3.9 billion in 2024, representing an increase of 200%.


Dr. Abbasi clarified that these achievements stem from the implementation of the 2020–2025 CCM Election Manifesto, which set a target of 5 million tourists and USD 6 billion in revenue by next year. From January to July 2025, the number of tourists rose by 9.2%, reaching 1.27 million compared to 1.16 million in 2024.


He noted that the efforts of the Sixth-Phase Government under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan—including infrastructure improvements, ICT utilization, and promotional films such as The Royal Tour and Amazing Tanzania—have significantly boosted the country’s international profile.


Tanzania has also continued to shine globally by winning various tourism awards under the World Travel Awards (WTA) presented by the World Luxury Media Group Limited.


Dr. Abbasi urged Tanzanians to actively participate in tourism activities in line with the National Tourism Policy of 1999 and the Tourism Act, Chapter 65. He also called on the private sector to partner with the Government in developing this vital sector.


This year’s celebrations carried the theme:

“Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, aiming to promote innovation, professionalism, business development, and community involvement in tourism growth.



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