DODOMA: THE Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) has experienced significant growth over the past four years, generating a remarkable 693.96bn/- in revenue, thanks to government’s strategic efforts to protect the area and enhance local and international tourism.
With its awe-inspiring landscapes, diverse wildlife, rich cultural heritage, and ecological significance, Ngorongoro has become a global tourism hotspot, attracting 2.9 million visitors from July 2021 to February 2025.
Addressing journalists in Dodoma yesterday regarding NCAA’s performance since President Samia Suluhu Hassan assumed office, the authority’s commissioner, Dr Elirehema Doriye, credited President’s role in the Royal Tour and Amazing Tanzania films, which have greatly amplified the area’s visibility.
He also noted the active involvement of the private sector and various tourism bodies as key contributors to the surge in visitors over the past four years.
Reflecting on the NCAA’s performance during President Samia’s tenure, Dr Doriye noted a steady upward trajectory in both the number of visitors and revenue.
For instance, in the 2021/22 fiscal year, after the tourism sector was recovering from the impacts of Covid-19 pandemic, the government earned 91.13bn/- from 425,386 visitors, including 228,810 foreigners and 196,576 domestic tourists.
The following year saw an impressive increase, with total visitors rising to 752,232, contributing 171.26bn/- to the country’s economy.
By the 2023/24 fiscal year, visitor numbers surged further to 908,627, including 553,875 foreigners and 354,752 locals, generating 219.55bn/-.
In the period from July 2024 to February 2025, NCAA recorded 212.02bn/- in revenue with 830,295 visitors, 509,610 of whom were international tourists and 320,685 local.
“This growth trend indicates that, by the end of 2024/25, NCAA will welcome over 1 million tourists,” Dr Doriye said confidently, adding that as of the latest figures, NCAA had already achieved 92 per cent of its revenue target for the fiscal year, which stands at 230bn/-.
The success of Ngorongoro extends beyond financial performance.
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In addition to the growing number of visitors, the conservation area continues to earn global recognition. In 2023, the World Travel Awards honoured Ngorongoro as Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction, a testament to its importance in the global tourism landscape.
The region’s wildlife has also seen a remarkable recovery, with a 40 per cent increase in animal populations over the past four years.
The lion population has grown to 188, while the elephant population has nearly doubled, rising from 800 in 2020 to 1,300 in 2024.
A significant milestone was the introduction of 36 white rhinos to the area, thanks to strong diplomatic ties between Tanzania and South Africa.
Dr Doriye also revealed details of the ongoing infrastructure improvements, with the government allocating 14.99bn/- for accessibility enhancements for tourists.
Notable projects during President Samia’s administration include the completion of a 1.5bn/- water project and the construction of a 10.47bn/- NCAA headquarters in Karatu District, Arusha Region.
Despite the successes achieved, NCAA continues to invest in multi-billion-shilling projects focused on the sustainable preservation of the area.
Dr Doriye reaffirmed that the authority would continue collaborating with other public institutions to integrate systems, improve services, and generate more revenue.
Ngorongoro, established in 1959, remains a globally recognised tourist destination, earning he United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) accolades in three key categories: Man and Biosphere Reserve, Mixed World Heritage Site, and Ngorongoro Lengai UNESCO Geopark.
This success story of the NCAA reflects not only the power of effective leadership and collaboration but also Tanzania’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism, economic growth and environmental conservation
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