Tourism fortune should transform every young Tanzanian

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA’S tourism industry has delivered yet another remarkable performance, generating a record 4.41 billion US dollars (about 11.598tri/-) in 2025. The latest International Visitors’ Exit Survey confirms that tourism receipts grew by 13 per cent from 3.90 billion US dollars in 2024, comfortably outpacing the 7.1 per cent rise in international arrivals.

This is more than a statistical achievement; it is compelling evidence that Tanzania is increasingly attracting higher-value visitors who spend more and contribute significantly to the national economy. Average visitor expenditure rose sharply to 289 US dollars per person per night on Mainland Tanzania and 274 US dollars in Zanzibar.

Holidaymakers remained the industry’s lifeblood, contributing 95.9 per cent of tourism earnings, while package tours generated more than three-quarters of total receipts.

The sector has also moved well beyond the Covid-19 setback, with international arrivals exceeding 150 per cent of 2019 levels, thanks to stronger global travel demand, improved air connectivity and aggressive destination marketing. These achievements deserve applause, but celebration alone is not enough.

The billions flowing into the economy must be felt beyond airports, luxury lodges and national parks. Tourism should become a catalyst for inclusive prosperity, especially for young Tanzanians searching for sustainable livelihoods. The opportunities are enormous.

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Tourism is not only about hotels and safari vehicles. It creates demand for agriculture, fisheries, transport, fashion, arts and crafts, photography, filmmaking, digital marketing, cultural performances, event management, technology, tour operations and conservation services.

Every tourist who arrives creates opportunities for dozens of businesses and thousands of jobs across the value chain. Young people must therefore stop viewing tourism as someone else’s industry. It is theirs to innovate, invest in and transform.

With creativity, professionalism and digital skills, they can establish tour companies, develop tourism applications, market local attractions, produce souvenirs, promote cultural heritage and offer specialised services that enrich visitor experiences while generating income.