Tanzania’s tourism sector is experiencing an unprecedented boom, with international visits soaring by 130% between 2021 and 2024, reaching over 2 million annual arrivals.
This remarkable growth has positioned Tanzania as the fastest-growing African destination in 2024, according to the United Nations Tourism body (UN Tourism).
The surge in visitors has translated into a significant increase in revenue, with international tourism earnings jumping 200% from $1.3 billion in 2021 to $3.9 billion in 2024. Domestic tourism has also seen explosive growth, with revenues rising over 350% from TZS11 billion to TZS209 billion in the same period.
Dr. Pindi Chana, Tanzania’s Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, attributed this success to the vision and commitment of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. “These results stem from the vision and commitment of our President, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, who championed promotional campaigns such as The Royal Tour and Amazing Tanzania,” Dr. Chana stated.
President Hassan’s proactive policies, including mass COVID-19 vaccinations in 2021 and her active participation in international tourism events, have been instrumental in revitalizing the sector.
Tanzania’s exceptional performance has garnered global recognition. The country secured several accolades at the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA), including Africa’s Leading Destination (2024) and World’s Leading Safari Destination (2024).
Serengeti National Park proudly maintained its title as the world’s best safari destination for the sixth consecutive year, while Mount Kilimanjaro was named Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction in 2024.
Beyond tourism, Tanzania is also making strides in wildlife conservation. The country boasts impressive wildlife populations, leading Africa in the number of lions (17,000), buffaloes (225,000), and leopards (24,000).
Significant progress has been made in protecting endangered species, with black rhino populations increasing by 61% between 2021 and 2025 and elephant poaching incidents dropping by nearly 90%.
