Tanzania aims for 8 million annual tourists by 2030 in economic growth push

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has set an ambitious target of attracting eight million tourists annually by 2030—up from over five million recorded during the 2024/25 period—as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the tourism sector and boost economic growth.

To achieve this goal, the government aims to enhance service delivery and intensify the promotion of Tanzania’s tourist attractions, encouraging both international and domestic tourism.

The announcement was made on Friday, July 12, 2025, by the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Pindi Chana, during the launch of Ngorongoro Day at the ongoing 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF).

Dr Chana noted that national parks have seen a significant increase in visitor numbers in recent years, a trend largely driven by promotional initiatives such as the Royal Tour documentary and the Amazing Tanzania campaign.

“Currently, we are seeing more people visiting parks—especially during holidays—including individuals, families, offices, and even choirs. This has helped us surpass five million tourists, and now we are targeting eight million, as outlined in the ruling party's manifesto. The target is achievable,” she said.

She was referring to the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) manifesto for 2025–2030, launched earlier this year.

Dr Chana underscored the tourism sector’s vital role in national development and reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring benefits are distributed across the entire tourism value chain.

Speaking during the Ngorongoro Day celebrations, she said the event plays a crucial role in promoting domestic tourism and supports government efforts to raise awareness about Tanzania’s unique natural heritage.

“We fully support Ngorongoro Day at the Sabasaba grounds. It’s an initiative that not only promotes Ngorongoro but also contributes to growing tourist numbers and national revenue,” said Dr Chana.

As a result of such promotional efforts, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) collected Sh269.9 billion in revenue for the 2024/25 financial year.

“This is a significant achievement, reflecting the impact of our tourism campaigns. As a ministry, we must continue supporting such initiatives to attract even more visitors,” added Dr Chana.

She attributed the rise in revenue to aggressive domestic and international marketing efforts aimed at increasing visitor numbers and earnings.

On her part, the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) Director General, Ms Latifa Khamis, said Ngorongoro remains a major draw for the public, as evidenced by the response during this year’s DITF.

She revealed that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism’s pavilion attracted 659,604 visitors between June 28 and July 11, 2025—a number expected to rise by the end of the exhibition.

“This demonstrates the strong public interest in conservation and confirms that the fair’s objective—to showcase Tanzania’s tourism potential—is being realised,” she said.

Ms Khamis further noted that Ngorongoro continues to stand out as a unique destination due to its exceptional ecosystem, where humans and wildlife coexist, making it attractive to both local and international tourists.

“Ngorongoro Day should catalyze promoting the area globally while involving local communities in conservation efforts to benefit the entire nation,” she said.

She also stressed the need for sustained investment in tourism development and acknowledged the government’s commitment to expanding the industry.

“We must work together to grow the sector and strengthen the entire tourism value chain,” she emphasized.

Meanwhile, the NCAA’s senior assistant conservation commissioner, Ms Mariam Kobelo, reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to protecting the area’s rich history and culture by existing laws.