EARNINGS of upwards of $3.5bn were obtained in the tourism sector up to the start of the fourth quarter of the calendar year, official data indicates.

The data was cited by Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi when gracing the opening ceremony for the 8th edition of the Swahili International Tourism Expo (S!TE 2024).

He similarly noted that Tanzania’s accomplishments in tourism have earned it the distinction of being the sixth country globally and the leading country in Africa for growth in tourist numbers, on the basis of a September 2024 report by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

The revenue performance underscores the tourism sector’s pivotal role in the nation’s economy, he said, pointing at its being a pillar of Tanzania’s economy, contributing 17.2 percent to gross domestic product (GDP).

Tourism accounts for 25 percent of foreign exchange earnings and supports over 1.5m jobs, crossing the 2m tourist arrivals for the first time this year. The country received a total of 2,026,378 international tourists, the highest number ever, he said

This success is explained from government efforts in strengthening the tourism infrastructure, including improvements to Air Tanzania, the national flag carrier, he said, asserting that the government has encouraged international airlines to establish direct flights between Tanzania and key tourism markets.

It has built modern roads and railways connecting tourist attractions while renovated airports to enhance critical tourism services, he said, pointing at these initiatives as enabling a significant rise in international tourist arrivals and increased revenues.

He remarked that various international awards were received by the country’s tourism agencies, which showcase the quality and uniqueness of its attractions. These include the 2023 World Travel Awards, where the Tanzania Tourist Board was named “Africa’s Leading Tourist Board,” he stated.

Thanda Shungimbili Island in Mafia was prized as the “World’s Leading Exclusive Private Island,” the Ngorongoro Conservation Area as “Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction,” and Serengeti National Park as “Africa’s Leading National Park.”

Additionally, the Trip Advisor network recognized Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks as “Africa’s Top Attractions,” while Zanzibar was ranked the “2nd Best Island Destination in the World” for 2024 by the Island Index.

He acknowledged that tourism is a highly competitive sector, thus emphasizing the need for promotional efforts to achieve the set goals, praising the Natural Resources and Tourism ministry and the TTB for promoting tourist attractions locally and abroad.