Tanzania’s tourism surpasses target by 6pc

DAR ES SALAAM: THE tourism sector in Tanzania continues to flourish following a nearly 6.0 percent increase in tourist arrivals compared to this year’s target. So far, a total of 5,300,000 tourists have visited the country, surpassing the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism’s target of 5,000,000, an increase of approximately 300,000 visitors.

This growth has been attributed to strong efforts by the government under the leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, particularly through international campaigns such as the popular film Tanzania: The Royal Tour and the Amazing Tanzania campaign, both of which have promoted the country as a top global tourism destination.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony of the National College of Tourism (NCT) held at the Dar es Salaam campus, the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ambassador Dr. Pindi Chana, said these achievements are the result of effective government strategies and that more efforts are underway to attract even more tourists.

“Despite these achievements, we are committed to further developing this sector,” said Dr. Chana.

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She further explained that the tourism sector has contributed 3.9bn/- US dollars to the national economy and aims to reach 6bn/-US dollars by the end of this year, a goal that appears within reach due to the rapid growth of the sector.

In another effort to strengthen the tourism and hospitality industries, the National College of Tourism, in collaboration with Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL), successfully held the first graduation ceremony for students under the Learning for Life Programme. The program, which began in September last year, has seen 109 students graduate.

This initiative aims to equip young Tanzanians with practical skills in the hospitality sector, including communication, leadership, personal branding, time management, budgeting, and customer service.

Jesca William, Deputy Principal of NCT, stated that the program has significantly improved the quality of tourism services by producing skilled and professional service providers.

“This sector is growing rapidly, and as a college, we are committed to continuing to produce more skilled professionals,” she said.

On his part, SBL Managing Director, Dr. Obinna Anyalebechi, noted that through this program, young people have gained essential skills to help them succeed in the fast-growing hospitality and tourism sector.

“This program reflects our social commitment. Focused on inclusivity and diversity, it aims to empower women, youth, and marginalized communities by providing them with skills, confidence, and opportunities to build a better future,” said Dr. Anyalebechi.

SBL has also been at the forefront of supporting education through its Kilimo-Viwanda Scholarship Programme, which has offered full diploma scholarships to over 350 young Tanzanians in the agricultural sector, as part of the company’s broader efforts to uplift communities through education and skills development.