Tanzania’s tourism sector expanded significantly in 2024, with 1,748,500 tourist arrivals (+12.4%), generating USD 3,259.8 million in earnings (+9.5%). The sector contributed 17.2% to GDP, up from 16.4% in 2023, and supported over 1.5 million jobs. Serengeti National Park remained the top attraction, receiving 589,300 visitors (+11.2%), while Mount Kilimanjaro saw the fastest growth (+13.4%). However, rising costs and regional competition pose challenges, requiring continued investment in infrastructure and marketing to sustain growth.

1. Tourism Sector Growth: Strong Recovery and Increased Earnings

• Tanzania received 1,748,500 tourists in 2024, a 12.4% increase from 1,556,200 in 2023.
• Tourism earnings reached USD 3,259.8 million in 2024, compared to USD 2,976.3 million in 2023, reflecting a 9.5% increase.

What It Means:

✅ More tourists are visiting Tanzania, showing post-pandemic recovery and increased global interest in Tanzanian destinations.
✅ Higher earnings indicate stronger foreign exchange inflows, supporting the economy.
⚠ The growth rate has slowed slightly compared to previous years, requiring further tourism development strategies.

2. Visitor Arrivals by Region

• European tourists led arrivals, accounting for 39.6% (693,500 visitors), driven by demand for wildlife safaris and beach tourism.
• North America contributed 18.3% (319,900 visitors), reflecting growing interest from the U.S. and Canada.
• Asian tourists accounted for 14.2% (248,300 visitors), with an increase in visitors from India and China.
• African tourists made up 21.7% (379,500 visitors), mainly from Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda.

What It Means:

✅ Europe remains Tanzania’s largest tourism market, but North America and Asia are emerging as key growth areas.
✅ Regional tourism from African countries is growing, supporting cross-border trade and investment.
⚠ More investment is needed in marketing to diversify Tanzania’s tourism sources further.

3. Key Tourism Destinations and Their Growth

What It Means:

✅ Serengeti remains the top attraction, but Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro are gaining more visitors.
✅ Growth in mountain tourism (+13.4%) shows increased interest in adventure tourism.
⚠ More investments in infrastructure and conservation are needed to sustain growth.

4. Contribution of Tourism to Tanzania’s Economy

• Tourism contributed 17.2% to Tanzania’s GDP in 2024, up from 16.4% in 2023.
• The sector provided direct employment to over 1.5 million people, supporting jobs in hotels, transportation, and cultural tourism.
• Hotel occupancy rates increased to 74.5%, up from 69.8% in 2023, showing higher demand for accommodation.

What It Means:

✅ Tourism is a key economic driver, supporting jobs and GDP growth.
✅ Higher hotel occupancy rates indicate strong demand, benefiting the hospitality sector.
⚠ More investment is needed in training and service quality to maintain competitiveness.

5. Challenges Facing Tanzania’s Tourism Sector

🔸 High operating costs – Rising costs for park fees, hotel services, and travel expenses may limit growth.
🔸 Competition from other African destinations – Countries like Kenya and South Africa offer similar safari experiences.
🔸 Climate change effects – Rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns could affect wildlife and natural attractions.
🔸 Infrastructure gaps – Some key parks and destinations still face challenges with road access and accommodation availability.

Summary of Key Trends in Tanzania’s Tourism (2024)

Economic Implications of Tourism Growth in Tanzania

🔹 Positive Signs:
✅ Tourism remains a key foreign exchange earner, supporting economic growth.
✅ Diversification in visitor sources (North America and Asia) reduces reliance on Europe.
✅ Growth in adventure tourism (Kilimanjaro) and cultural tourism strengthens the sector.

🔸 Challenges:
⚠ High costs and competition require better pricing and service strategies.
⚠ Infrastructure improvements are needed to support continued growth.
⚠ Climate change could impact long-term sustainability of tourism attractions.

Key Insights from Tanzania’s Tourism Performance (2024-2025)

1. Tanzania’s Tourism Industry is Expanding (+12.4% Arrivals, +9.5% Revenue)

• 1,748,500 tourists visited Tanzania in 2024, up 12.4% from 2023.
• Tourism earnings grew by 9.5% to USD 3,259.8 million, reflecting higher spending by visitors.

What It Means:

✅ Tanzania remains a leading destination in Africa, attracting more tourists each year.
✅ More foreign exchange is entering the economy, strengthening reserves and GDP growth.
⚠ Revenue growth (+9.5%) is slower than arrival growth (+12.4%), suggesting that tourists may be spending less per visit.

2. Europe Dominates, But New Markets Are Emerging

• Europe remains the largest source of tourists (39.6%), followed by North America (18.3%) and Asia (14.2%).
• African tourists (21.7%) are increasing, mainly from Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa.

What It Means:

✅ European tourism remains strong, supporting peak seasons.
✅ North America and Asia are growing markets, diversifying revenue sources.
⚠ Tanzania must continue marketing efforts in Asia and North America to reduce reliance on European tourists.

3. Serengeti and Kilimanjaro Lead Tourism Growth

• Serengeti National Park remains the top attraction, receiving 589,300 visitors (+11.2%).
• Mount Kilimanjaro had the fastest growth, with a 13.4% increase in climbers.
• Zanzibar’s beach tourism continues to expand (+9.6%), boosting hotel occupancy.

What It Means:

✅ Safari tourism remains strong, keeping Tanzania competitive in Africa.
✅ Kilimanjaro’s growth suggests a rising interest in adventure tourism.
⚠ Infrastructure improvements in parks and transport networks are needed to sustain growth.

4. Economic Impact: Tourism Now Contributes 17.2% to GDP

• Tourism’s share of GDP increased to 17.2%, up from 16.4% in 2023.
• Over 1.5 million jobs are directly supported by tourism, including hotels, transport, and tour operations.

What It Means:

✅ Tourism is a critical sector for employment and national revenue.
✅ A strong tourism industry supports businesses and local economies.
⚠ Rising costs for travel, accommodation, and park fees may slow future growth.

5. Challenges to Tanzania’s Tourism Growth

⚠ Higher costs – Increasing Park fees, hotel rates, and transport costs may reduce affordability.
⚠ Regional competition – Kenya, South Africa, and Rwanda are investing in tourism, increasing competition.
⚠ Climate change – Unpredictable weather patterns could affect wildlife migration and beach tourism.
⚠ Infrastructure gaps – Roads and airports need upgrades to handle increasing visitors.

Overall Economic Implications

🔹 Positive Signs:
✅ Tourism continues to grow, boosting Tanzania’s foreign exchange earnings.
✅ New markets (North America & Asia) are emerging, reducing reliance on Europe.
✅ Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar are attracting more adventure and luxury tourists.

🔸 Challenges:
⚠ Slower revenue growth compared to arrivals suggests visitors are spending less.
⚠ High travel costs and infrastructure gaps could slow future expansion.
⚠ Competition from other African destinations requires better marketing and service improvements.