Tanzania welcomes more cruise ship visitors

DAR ES SALAAM: MORE than 100 tourists arrived in Tanzania yesterday aboard a Germany-based international cruise ship, marking the second group of cruise ship visitors to enter the country in 2026.

The tourists, mainly from Germany and France, are scheduled to visit major attractions in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.

The visitors were officially welcomed at the National Museum of Tanzania (NMT) in Dar es Salaam, a venue selected to showcase the country’s rich historical and cultural tourism offerings.

Speaking during the reception, the Head of Communication and Public Relations at the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB), Ms Paulina Mnkama, said the continued arrival of cruise ship tourists reflects steady growth in the tourism sector and rising global interest in Tanzania.

She said hosting the visitors at the National Museum was deliberate, aimed at reinforcing the message that tourism in Tanzania extends beyond wildlife safaris.

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“Tourism is much broader than game drives alone. It includes history, culture, cuisine, beaches and urban attractions such as those found here in Dar es Salaam,” she said.

Ms Mnkama described Dar es Salaam as an important cultural tourism hub, home to key heritage sites including the National Museum and said more cruise ship arrivals are expected in the coming months.

She emphasised that Tanzania’s hospitality and peaceful environment remain among the country’s strongest tourism assets.

“When visitors are asked what impressed them most after arriving in Tanzania, many mention the people, the warmth, peace and genuine hospitality they experience. This is something we are very proud of as Tanzanians,” she said.

Ms Mnkama added that Tanzania continues to rank among Africa’s leading tourism destinations, particularly in cultural, historical, culinary, beach and heritage tourism.

She called on Tanzanians to preserve peace and hospitality, describing them as key drivers of sustainable tourism.

She noted that tourism benefits all citizens, either directly or indirectly, as tourist spending supports transport services, food vendors, markets, cultural performers and other service providers.

“It is our shared responsibility to promote our country and protect Tanzania’s positive image among visitors,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Curator in Charge of the National Museum of Tanzania, Dr Aloyce Mwambwiga, said the tourists were taken on guided tours to learn about Tanzania’s history and to view both ancient and contemporary art collections housed at the museum.

“The visitors have responded very positively to what they have seen. Tanzania is known for its diverse tourism attractions and our exhibitions reflect that richness,” Dr Mwambwiga said.

He added that Tanzania currently receives more than five million tourists annually, with projections indicating that arrivals could reach at least eight million by 2030.

According to the National Development Vision 2050, tourism is expected to make a major contribution to the national economy, with cruise ship tourism identified as a key area for future growth.

One of the visitors, German tourist Ms Wilma Rehberg, praised Tanzania for its hospitality, cultural richness and historical significance.

Visiting Tanzania and East Africa for the first time, she described the experience as memorable and inspiring.

“The people are incredibly welcoming and you immediately feel at home. It’s wonderful to see how proud Tanzanians are of their country and how eager they are to share it with visitors,” she said.

Ms Rehberg also expressed admiration for Tanzania’s natural beauty, cultural diversity and deep historical roots, encouraging international travellers to consider the country as a leading global destination.

“It is very moving to experience the place where humanity began. I am looking forward to discovering more of Tanzania and would strongly recommend others to visit and experience it for themselves,” she said.