The Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) has set its sights on emerging markets in Europe, Asia and South America to increase international visitor numbers.

Over the years, Tanzania depended mainly on the UK, the US, Germany and Italy for international holidaymakers. To raise tourist numbers, TTB Chairman, Thomas Mihayo, says the country will look to China, India, Russia, Turkey, Brazil and the United Arab Emirates to attract visitors.

The country hopes to increase international tourist arrivals from just over a million a year to two million by the close of the year, growing tourism earnings to $2 billion from the current $1.35 billion.

However, TTB MD, Devota Mdachi, emphasised that for Tanzania to market the destination aggressively, it required substantial funding from the exchequer.

“The International Market Strategy running from 2012 to 2017 requires the establishment of offices in our major markets. We can achieve that if we get adequate funding,” she added.

Tourism is Tanzania’s leading foreign exchange earner, contributing about 17% of annual income.