The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) paints a rosy picture for Tanzania‘s Travel & Tourism sector. The industry experienced tremendous growth in 2023, shattering records for economic contribution and visitor spending.
2023: A Banner Year for Tanzanian Tourism
Travel & Tourism’s contribution to the Tanzanian economy reached a staggering TZS 18.6 trillion, surpassing the pre-pandemic peak by 4%. This impressive figure translates to 9.5% of the country’s GDP, highlighting the sector’s critical role in driving economic prosperity.
Visitor spending hit record highs in 2023, with both international and domestic visitors contributing significantly. International visitor expenditure surpassed TZS 8 trillion, reflecting an 11.1% increase over 2019. Domestic tourism thrived as well, with spending reaching TZS 3.7 trillion, a remarkable 12.8% increase from pre-pandemic levels.
The industry’s positive impact extends to employment. Over 1.4 million people found jobs within Travel & Tourism in 2023, marking a rise of more than 97,300 new positions compared to the previous year. However, employment remains 7.4% below the 2019 peak.
Positive Outlook for 2024
The WTTC report forecasts a continuation of the positive trends observed in 2023:
The Travel & Tourism sector’s contribution to the national economy is projected to reach a staggering TZS 20.3 trillion in 2024, representing nearly 10% of Tanzania’s GDP.
Both international and domestic visitor spending are expected to climb further. International visitor expenditure is anticipated to reach TZS 8.7 trillion, reflecting an 8.5% increase from 2023. Domestic visitor spending is also projected to grow, exceeding TZS 3.9 trillion.
The Travel & Tourism sector is poised to become a record-breaking job creator in 2024, with the number of jobs projected to surpass 1.5 million, solidifying its position as a major source of employment in Tanzania.
Tanzania’s tourism industry is on a growth trajectory, generating significant economic benefits and fostering job creation. With continued growth anticipated in 2024, the future looks bright for this vibrant sector.
