A big boost for Tanzanian tourism after constructing airstrips in Nyerere, Ruaha, and Mikumi Parks
DODOMA: THE Tanzanian government has continued to make significant investments in tourism infrastructure development aimed at strengthening the sector’s competitiveness and increasing its contribution to the national economy.
The statement was made on May 15, 2026 by the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Ashatu Kijaji, while presenting the ministry’s revenue and expenditure estimates for the 2026/27 financial year in Parliament in Dodoma.
Dr Kijaji said that during the implementation period, the government completed the construction of three airstrips in the Nyerere and Ruaha National Parks, while the construction of Mikumi Airstrip is expected to be completed by October 2026.
She further noted that the ministry has rehabilitated eight airstrips located in Mikumi, Ruaha, Nyerere and Serengeti National Parks in order to improve transportation services for tourists.
According to the minister, the government has also constructed and rehabilitated 3,757.92 kilometers of roads and 523.14 kilometers of walking trails in protected areas to improve access to tourist attractions.
She added that tourism service infrastructure has been strengthened through the construction of six visitor rest areas and nine entry gates in Nyerere, Mikumi and Ruaha National Parks.
In addition, tourism centers have been established in the forests of Meru, Vikindu, Mwambesi, Pindiro, Mount Rungwe and Lake Duluti, while one tourist camp has been constructed in the Kilombero Nature Forest Reserve.
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Dr Kijaji said the investments have produced positive outcomes, including improved accessibility to tourist attractions, enhanced visitor experiences, and the creation of employment and business opportunities for communities living near conservation areas.
She added that the improvements have also contributed to increased government revenue and overall growth of the tourism sector.
Citing the Southern Circuit as an example, the minister said infrastructure improvements helped increase the number of tourists from 197,402 to 205,520, while revenue rose from 24.6bn/- to 27.7bn/- between July 2025 and April 2026.
She said the achievements reflect the government’s commitment to continue improving tourism infrastructure in order to strengthen Tanzania’s competitiveness in the global tourism market, stimulate economic growth, and improve citizens’ livelihoods.
