Tanzania Positions Tourism as a Pillar of Its Trillion-Dollar Dira 2050 Economic Vision
Tanzania is placing tourism at the centre of its long-term national development strategy, Dira 2050, which targets a one trillion-dollar economy and a per capita income of US$7,000 by mid-century. The sector enters this new phase with strong momentum, having recorded 5.94 million visitors in 2025 - up from 5.36 million the previous year - while tourism earnings rose from US$3.9 billion to US$4.4 billion. International arrivals reached 2.29 million, with domestic tourism accounting for 3.64 million visitors. The government's 2026/27 budget for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism reflects this ambition, with conservation and tourism development framed as complementary drivers of sustainable economic growth.
Infrastructure investment is a key component of the strategy, with three new airstrips completed in Ruaha and Nyerere national parks, eight tourism airstrips rehabilitated, and more than 3,700 kilometres of roads improved across protected areas. Revenues from the Southern Tourism Circuit rose from TZS 24.6 billion to TZS 27.7 billion, underlining the growth potential beyond Tanzania's established northern safari routes. Diversification is also a priority, with conference tourism, sports tourism, cultural heritage, and the blue economy identified as areas for expansion. Upcoming events including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and the 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly are expected to further boost the MICE sector, as Tanzania works to broaden its tourism offering and attract higher-spending visitors.
Source: Daily News Tanzania
