Tanzania has surpassed 2019 (pre-pandemic) levels for the number of tourist arrivals in Q1 this year.

According to data published by the Tanzanian National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the country received 409 082 tourists in the first quarter of 2023, more than the 339 279 arrivals recorded for the same period in 2019.

This is also higher than the previous record of 364 886 arrivals in Q1 2018.

For the full year in 2018, the country received 1 505 702 tourists, and in 2019, 1 510 151 tourists. The latter remains the country’s annual record high for tourist arrivals.

The top source markets by nationality were Kenya, with 44 588 arrivals; France (31 636); Italy (25 145); Burundi (23 829); the US (23 274); Germany (21 755); Poland (15 203); the UK (14 652); and Rwanda (11 870).

The vast majority of international visitors to Tanzania came for leisure and holidays, followed by those who came to visit friends and relatives.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Natural Resources, Dr Hassan Abbasi, said the success was attributed to the sixth phase of government commitment – under President Samia Suluhu Hassan this year – to promote and develop the country’s tourism industry.