After a record-breaking 2023, Tanzania’s tourism industry is gearing up to reach even greater heights in 2024, with the sector’s economic contribution forecast to top TZS20.3 trillion (€7.5 billion), representing nearly 10% of the economy.

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the East African country hit a record high international visitor spend of TZS3.7 trillion (€1.38bn) last year, a 12.8% increase from 2019. The sector contributed TZS18.6 trillion (€7bn) to the economy, surpassing the previous 2019 peak by 4% and accounting for 9.5% of the country’s GDP.

Employment in the sector climbed to more than 1.4 million, adding more than 97 300 new jobs, but still 7.4% behind the 2019 high point.

Visitor spending is forecasted to rise significantly again this year, with international visitor expenditure anticipated to reach TZS8.7 (€3.25bn), up 8.5% from 2023. Employment is also expected to reach a record high of 1.5 million, highlighting the sector’s role as a major employer in the country.

“Tanzania's Travel and Tourism sector is growing from strength to strength, contributing record numbers to the national economy. This underscores the sector's crucial role in driving economic development and job creation, with projections indicating continued growth and increased employment over the coming years,” said Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO.

By 2034, the sector is expected to reach a total value of TZS30.9 trillion (€11.5m) and 2.25 million jobs.