DODOMA, April 19 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — TANZANIA has already surpassed its 2025 tourism target after registering 5.3 million visitors and generating 3.9 billion US dollars in revenue, thanks to reforms and strategic direction under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration.
Speaking during the official opening of the 33rd Workers Council Meeting of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism in Dodoma, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ambassador Dr Pindi Chana, hailed the achievement as a result of strong leadership and sectoral reforms implemented over the past four years.
She said the tourism sector now contributes 21 per cent to the national economy (GDP), while its share in foreign exchange earnings has reached 30.9 per cent with tourism alone contributing 25 per cent and forests and beekeeping 5.9 per cent making it the country’s top foreign exchange earner.
“I sincerely thank President Samia Suluhu Hassan for driving tremendous transformation in the sector and instilling a renewed spirit of hard work among our staff,” Dr Chana remarked.
The Minister also highlighted the country’s growing recognition on the global stage, citing seven international awards that Tanzania has secured, including World’s Leading Safari Destination, Africa’s Leading Destination 2024, and Africa’s Leading Tourism Attraction 2024.
Looking forward, Dr Chana challenged the ministry’s staff to sustain the momentum by diversifying tourism products and increasing revenue from USD 2.6 billion in 2020 to an ambitious USD 6 billion by 2025.
“Key strategies include strengthening game hunting tourism, boosting conference tourism, developing beach tourism, and enhancing revenue collection systems,” she noted.
Dr Chana further called on ministry officials to intensify efforts in protecting and sustainably managing natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations.
She urged the strengthening of stakeholder capacity in managing wildlife, forestry and beekeeping resources, controlling poaching and illegal logging, promoting investment in wildlife ranches and gardens, and creating a conducive environment for private sector participation.
For his part, Deputy Permanent Secretary responsible for Natural Resources, CP Benedict Wakulyamba, reiterated the ministry’s dedication to improving staff welfare and professional development to strengthen the sector’s performance.
“We will continue prioritising staff wellbeing, capacity building and their effective participation in national initiatives,” he said. — NNN-DAILYNEWS