Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Tanzanian government has embarked on strategic efforts to promote sustainable tourism as the country transitions from a low-income to an upper-middle-income economy.
This initiative aligns with existing policies and ongoing efforts aimed at developing the tourism sector, enhancing environmental conservation, and improving the livelihoods of citizens through tourism and conservation.
Speaking during a national workshop on “Conservation and Its Contribution to Tourism and Community Development in Tanzania”, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ambassador Dr. Pindi Chana, emphasized that Tanzania can no longer rely solely on foreign aid and grants. Instead, the country must position itself as a strategic development partner in the global arena.
“We must ensure we build a sustainable tourism sector that benefits all citizens. Despite the achievements made in increasing tourist arrivals and revenue, more efforts are needed to double those gains and ensure that communities benefit directly,” said Dr. Chana.
Highlighting the country’s tourism potential, the Minister noted:
“Our country leads in the number of lions, leopards, and buffalos, and we rank third globally in terms of elephant population. We also boast rich cultural heritage, unmatched hospitality, beautiful beaches, marine biodiversity, and abundant lakes – all of which are critical assets for global tourism.”
Dr. Chana stressed that the workshop serves as a vital platform for exchanging ideas, perspectives, and expertise on conservation and tourism, urging the Ministry to intensify research in the sector to ensure the country benefits fully while preserving its natural resources.
“We should not become complacent with current successes, such as the rise in tourist arrivals from 1.7 million in 2021 to 5.3 million in 2024, and tourism revenue from USD 1.3bn US dollars to 3.9bn US dollars. We must work harder to achieve even greater milestones,” she added.
The two-day workshop, held in Arusha from June 13–14, 2025, is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism and the World Bank. Its primary goal is to explore strategies for advancing the tourism sector, supporting conservation, and improving community livelihoods through tourism.
The workshop is also part of broader government efforts to enhance domestic revenue generation from protected areas and ensure inclusive development for surrounding communities.
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