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Why Tanzania is poised to top global travel charts in 2026

Tanzania’s tourism sector has been collecting accolades on the world stage. PHOTO | COURTESY 

What you need to know:

  • But recent awards, infrastructure improvements, and bold policy shifts suggest Tanzania is moving beyond regional appeal to global prominence.

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is on course to become one of the world’s leading travel destinations by 2026.

With its breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, cultural diversity, and ambitious government investment in tourism, the country is preparing for a new chapter in global travel.

The East African nation, home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, and Zanzibar’s Spice Islands, has long been recognised for its natural beauty.

But recent awards, infrastructure improvements, and bold policy shifts suggest Tanzania is moving beyond regional appeal to global prominence.

Tanzania’s tourism sector has been collecting accolades on the world stage.

In 2025, the country secured 50 nominations at the World Travel Awards, more than any other African nation.

The nominations spanned categories from Africa’s Leading Tourist Destination to Best Safari Lodge and Luxury Eco-Tourism Experiences.

“This is a sign that Tanzania is no longer just competing within Africa,” said tour operator Nelson Mwakalukwa in an interview with The Citizen on August 16, 2025.

“It is competing with the world’s best destinations like the Maldives and Costa Rica. Recognition at this level puts Tanzania firmly on the global travel map,” he added.

The spotlight will grow brighter in December 2025, when Dar es Salaam hosts the World Travel Awards Gala, attracting international stakeholders, investors, and influencers in the travel industry.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been central to this resurgence.

Her 2022 documentary, The Royal Tour, showcased Tanzania’s wonders to millions worldwide.

Building on this momentum, her government has placed tourism at the centre of its economic transformation.

In the 2025/26 national budget, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism allocated billions of shillings to infrastructure, marketing, and digital promotion.

Tourism minister Ms Angellah Kairuki announced plans to strengthen air connectivity, expand hospitality training, and invest in sustainable tourism models that safeguard Tanzania’s heritage.

“We are determined to make Tanzania a hub of international tourism,” Ms Kairuki told Parliament.

She added: “By 2026, we aim to host over five million visitors annually, generating more than $6 billion in revenue for the economy.”


Infrastructure and accessibility

Accessibility has often been a barrier to African tourism, but Tanzania is tackling this challenge head-on.

The Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam has expanded its capacity, while new international routes now link Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro with Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

The government’s investment in the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) promises faster, more comfortable travel between Dar es Salaam and wildlife-rich interior regions. Regional airports are also being upgraded.

“Connectivity is critical. If tourists can land directly near their destinations, they will choose Tanzania over more complicated routes elsewhere in Africa,” said aviation expert, Dr Godfrey Moshi.

Unlike destinations built around a single attraction, Tanzania offers a blend of experiences.

The Serengeti migration is one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles, while Mount Kilimanjaro draws climbers from across the globe.

Zanzibar’s beaches rival the Indian Ocean’s finest, and chimpanzee trekking in Gombe and Mahale Mountains offers a rare adventure.

Cultural tourism is also thriving. Around Ngorongoro, visitors can experience Maasai traditions through community programmes that generate income and preserve culture.

“Tanzania is unique because it gives visitors both luxury and authenticity,” added Dr Moshi.

“You can stay at a five-star eco-lodge and still wake up to the sound of lions roaring nearby. That’s a rare combination,” he unveiled.


A robust recovery

The sector is recovering strongly from the pandemic downturn.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), hotel bed occupancy rose from 43.4 percent in January 2023 to 65.5 percent in January 2025, a leap of over 20 percentage points in two years.

Accommodation capacity also expanded, with the number of hotels rising from 185 in 2023 to 266 by early 2025.

International visitor bed-nights climbed from 101,871 in January 2023 to 150,201 in January 2025, underscoring the strong return of international travellers.

Sustainability is central to Tanzania’s tourism vision.

More than 40 percent of the country’s land is under protection, while eco-lodges and green initiatives are being prioritised.

This approach is resonating with conscious travellers.

According to the Tanzania Tourist Board, international arrivals reached 2.2 million in 2023, generating $3.3 billion, a record figure.

With continued growth, Tanzania is on track to surpass its ambitious 2026 targets.

Experts, however, caution that success will depend on maintaining quality.

Challenges include upgrading digital booking systems, streamlining visas, and ensuring competitive pricing.

“Marketing must also go beyond safaris,” said global travel analyst James Mrope.

He added, “Tanzania should promote conferences, cultural festivals, and even sports tourism. That’s how you become a truly global destination.”