The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), a global authority representing the travel and tourism sector, has released its 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR). This comprehensive report provides a detailed analysis of the sector’s performance and its critical role in national economies worldwide, spotlighting the impressive growth of Tanzania’s tourism industry over the past year.
Key Findings from WTTC’s 2024 Report
Unprecedented Growth in 2023
The WTTC’s latest report reveals that Tanzania’s travel and tourism sector experienced unprecedented growth in 2023. The sector’s contribution to the national economy reached TZS 18.6 trillion (USD 7.8 billion), surpassing the previous 2019 peak by 4%. This figure represents 9.5% of the country’s GDP, underscoring the critical role of tourism in Tanzania’s economic landscape.
Record Tourist Spending
Tourist spending hit record levels in 2023. International visitors spent over TZS 8 trillion (USD 34 billion), marking an 11.1% increase from 2019. Domestic tourism was equally robust, with spending reaching TZS 3.7 trillion (USD 1.6 billion), up 12.8% compared to 2019.
Employment Growth
Employment in Tanzania’s travel and tourism sector saw significant gains, with the industry supporting over 1.4 million jobs. This marks an increase of 97,300 new jobs in 2023, although it remains 7.4% below the 2019 employment peak.
Projections for 2024
Looking forward, the WTTC forecasts continued expansion for Tanzania’s tourism sector in 2024. Key projections include:
• Economic Contribution: Expected to rise to TZS 20.3 trillion (USD 8.5 billion), representing nearly 10% of the national economy.
• International Visitor Spending: Projected to grow to TZS 8.7 trillion (USD 3.7 billion), an 8.5% increase from 2023.
• Domestic Spending: Expected to exceed TZS 3.9 trillion (USD 1.7 billion).
• Employment: Anticipated to reach over 1.5 million jobs, further solidifying tourism as a key employment driver in the country.
Long-Term Outlook to 2034
The WTTC’s long-term outlook suggests that Tanzania’s travel and tourism sector will continue its upward trajectory. By 2034, the sector’s economic contribution is forecasted to reach TZS 30.9 trillion (USD 13 billion). Employment in tourism is projected to grow substantially, with the sector supporting 2.25 million jobs, adding 710,000 new positions and employing nearly one in fifteen Tanzanians.
Tanzania’s tourism industry is set to continue its significant impact on the national economy, driven by sustained growth in both international and domestic tourism. The WTTC’s report highlights the sector’s vital contribution to employment and economic stability, reinforcing its importance as a pillar of Tanzania’s development.
