ARUSHA: TANZANIA with an impressive array of natural wonders, rich cultural heritage and untouched landscapes that rival even the famed tourist hotspots of Brazil, is a sleeping giant in the world of tourism, retired high-profile Tanzanian diplomat has said.
According to former Tanzanian Ambassador to South Africa, Ami Mpungwe, this dazzling nation, second only to Brazil in terms of tourists’ attractions, beckons the finest investors to stir its potential and spur its multi-billion-dollar tourism industry.
Amb Mpungwe, an unsung champion of Tanzania’s investment success story, recalls his pivotal role, thanks to the support of the former South African President Thabo Mbeki, in attracting the world-renowned hospitality company – Conservation Corporation of Africa (ConsCorp), to invest heavily in Tanzania’s northern tourism circuit.
Cape to Cairo and Tanzania Serengeti adventure has created the opportunity to combine the best features of an overland safari in Tanzania, while enjoying the quality and service afforded by the ConsCorp properties in Tanzania. “ConsCorp” has used the philosophy of its flagship lodge, Londolozi, in South Africa, to create the finest lodges and tented camps in Tanzania.
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From the tented Grumeti River Camp and Maji Moto Camp to the fabulous architecture and luxury of Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, now tourists are assured of exquisite cuisine and the finest personal service. It was all Amb Mpungwe’s strategic efforts that have benchmarked hospitality standards that aim to elevate Tanzania to an elite global tourism destination.
“Tourism industry is a sleeping giant that can turn around the Tanzanian economy, but we need world-class investment in the hospitality industry to come and establish state-of-the-art hotels to offer the finest services to high-end tourists,” Diplomat Mpungwe passionately asserts adding: “Tanzania has more than what it takes to attract highend tourists who pay premium prices for quality services.” Amb Mpungwe’s vision emphasises the need for lowvolume, high-return tourism— an approach that minimises environmental impact while maximising economic gains. With its abundance of natural and cultural resources, the country has gained international recognition for its naturebased tourism in Africa and the world. Indeed, the vast tapestry of attractions—from the towering peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro to the sprawling Serengeti savannah, teeming with wildlife— positions it as a peerless destination.
Accolades for Tanzania’s tourism potential extend beyond its borders. The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index by the World Economic Forum ranked Tanzania 1st in Africa regarding the quality of its nature-based tourism resources as well as 32nd in Africa vis-à-vis its cultural resources.
As a result, the tourism value chain defines a key component of Tanzania’s economy today, contributing to an estimated 17 per cent of the country’s GDP and building the country’s third-largest source of employment by directly employing over 1.5 million workers.
Data from the Tanzania’s central bank indicates that Tourism receipts amounted to 3,581.2 million US dollars in the year ending March 2024, up by 28.4 per cent from 2,788.3 million US dollars in the previous year.
The upsurge in travel receipts reflects the recovery of the tourism industry, consistent with developments in the global tourism industry. Tourist arrivals recorded an annual increase of 21.9 per cent to 1,919,447, according to the Bank of Tanzania (BoT)’s economic review.
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“With such positive recognition, the world’s eyes are turning towards Tanzania, waiting for the right investments to unlock its boundless possibilities” Ambassador Mpungwe noted.
With an increased focus on green investments, Tanzania has a great potential to seize on these opportunities and formulate a value proposition based on these comparative advantages.
In addition, when considering new emerging consumer behaviours focused on sustainable and rural tourism demand again Tanzania may create strategic investment opportunities for conservation, climate finance, and green investments to further diversify, attract and mobilise international and private investments.
Likewise, improving the country’s regulatory mechanisms and incentives concerning climate change mitigation and adaptation as well as conservation efforts will help foster green investments to ensure the environmental, social and economic development of its destination and safeguard its natural and cultural resources.
Tanzania should also consider developing new incentives and investment mechanisms to strengthen and expand its tourism value chain and supply of tourism services. In essence, Tanzania is more than a destination; it’s an experience—a place where nature’s marvels and humanity’s warmth converge to offer unforgettable memories.
Ambassador Mpungwe and pioneers like him understand that with strategic investments and a thoughtful approach to sustainable tourism, Tanzania can realise its destiny as a global beacon of tourism excellence. The call for world-class investors to partake in this journey is a clarion for a future where Tanzania’s tourism potential doesn’t just dream; it thrives.
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