Royal tour, strategic investments propel tourism sector- Mwinyi

DAR ES SALAAM: ZANZIBAR President, Dr Hussein Mwinyi said yesterday that strong leadership, significant investments and good strategies have driven growth in the tourism sector, largely contributing to the country’s economic development.

He said the Royal Tour film and other strategies have helped to boost the tourism sector, which plays a big part in the country’s economic growth.

Speaking during the opening of the 8th Swahili International Tourism Expo (SITE) in Dar es Salaam, which is themed ‘Explore Tanzania for the Lifetime Investment and Seamless Tourism Experience,’ Dr Mwinyi commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s efforts to boost tourism businesses, saying her efforts to boost tourism businesses, saying her efforts are paying off. SITE is expected to be closed tomorrow.

“President Samia’s efforts are paying off, today we witness a rapid increase of international tourists in the country, accompanied by a corresponding increase in tourism revenue,” said Dr Mwinyi.

Dr Mwinyi said that by August 2024, statistics show that Tanzania had received a total of 2,026,378 international tourists and the revenue from the sector had reached 3.5 billion US dollar (about 9.537 tri/-).

He said: “The tourism sector remains a key pillar in boosting Tanzania’s economy, contributing 17.2per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 25 per cent of export earnings and generating over 1.5 million jobs, both direct and indirect through its value chain.”

Dr Mwinyi explained that the achievements have garnered international recognition, as highlighted in a September 2024 report by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), which ranks Tanzania 6th globally and 1st in Africa for the largest increase in tourist arrivals.

“Tanzania continues to receive various international awards, reflecting the quality and uniqueness of our attractions and services in the tourism sector,” he added.

Among these accolades are the 2023 World Travel Awards (WTA), which recognised the Tanzania Tourist Board as Africa’s Leading Tourist Board.

Dr Mwinyi added that Thanda Shughumbili Island in Mafia has been recognized as the world’s leading exclusive private island, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area as Africa’s leading tourist attraction and Serengeti National Park as Africa’s leading national park.

President Mwinyi said TripAdvisor recognised Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks as Africa’s top attractions for 2023, while Island Index named Zanzibar the second-best island destination in the world for 2024.

According to Dr Mwinyi, the government will continue to strengthen tourism infrastructure, strengthen Tanzania Airlines Corporation (ATCL) and encourage international airlines to establish direct flights between Tanzania and key tourism markets.

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Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Pindi Chana said revenues from tourism reflect the significant investments in the sector.

Chairperson of Tanzania Local Tour Operators (TLTC), Samuel Diah expressed commitment to collaborating with the government to boost the tourism sector.