Tanzania reduces fees and charges to boost local investment in tourism sector

“The government will continue to collaborate closely with the private sector to enhance efficiency in conservation and tourism, through sectoral dialogues under the Tanzania National Business Council (TNBC) and other regular stakeholder engagements,” said Dr Chana.

Under the new measures, the Tourism Business Licence (TTBL) fees for local investors in accommodation services have been significantly reduced.

Five-star establishments will now pay $1,500, down from $2,500.

Fees for other categories have also been lowered, and all payments will now be made in Tanzanian shillings.

In a move welcomed by industry players, the government has also removed park entry fees for all tour guides with valid and active licences.

The registration fee for mountain climbing agencies has been reduced from $2,000 to Sh3 million, while the cost of a tour guide licence has dropped from $50 to Sh35,000 per annum.

“These reforms are part of a broader strategy to eliminate bottlenecks and empower the private sector,” said Dr Chana.

She added that the ministry has prioritised the removal of regulatory hurdles and the creation of an enabling environment for tourism and conservation to thrive, largely through structured public-private cooperation frameworks such as the TNBC.

The reforms are expected to expand opportunities for local operators and improve Tanzania’s competitiveness as a preferred destination for both investors and tourists.

The announcement is part of the ministry’s ten strategic priorities for the upcoming financial year, for which it has requested Sh359.98 billion.

Of this amount, Sh105.74 billion is earmarked for development projects.

In the current financial year (2024/25), the ministry was allocated Sh348.12 billion, with Sh97.24 billion directed towards development interventions.

Anti-poaching efforts

Dr Chana also addressed the government’s ongoing efforts to combat poaching and the illegal wildlife trade.

Through operations supported by the Tanzania Wildlife Protection Fund (TWPF), a total of 45 suspects were apprehended in 2024/25. Authorities seized 51 elephant tusks, 114 pangolin scales, 11 live tortoises, and various other wildlife trophies.

In addition, 13 firearms were confiscated, including one AK-47, eight rifles, three shotguns, one muzzleloader, and 65 rounds of ammunition.

To strengthen wildlife protection, the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) has been allocated Sh17 billion, while the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) will receive Sh18.48 billion. Part of TANAPA’s allocation will fund the construction of a modern control room in Serengeti National Park.

Ministry priorities for 2025/26

For the 2025/26 financial year, the ministry has set ten priority areas to strengthen conservation and tourism.

Key among these is the promotion of both domestic and international tourism, alongside the development of strategic tourism products to broaden Tanzania’s offerings.

Other planned interventions include upgrading infrastructure to support conservation and tourism, and the adoption of modern technologies to improve resource management and monitoring systems.

Efforts will be intensified to safeguard wildlife, forests, cultural heritage, and beekeeping resources.

The government will also focus on strengthening value chains in the forestry and beekeeping sectors.

Additional priorities include enhancing data and information systems, conducting strategic research, and increasing public awareness on sustainable conservation practices.

The ministry also plans to improve revenue collection mechanisms and undertake comprehensive reviews of existing policies, laws and regulations to ensure they respond to current realities and investment prospects.