In a positive development for Tanzania's tourism sector, the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) has reported the registration of 125 tourists at the World Heritage Park of Kilwa Ruins on the island and Songo Tower. This influx of visitors is attributed to President Samia Suluhu Hassan's initiative, 'The Royal Tour,' which aims to bolster the tourism sector and contribute to the country's GDP.
TAWA revealed that the initial batch of 102 tourists arrived on February 3, 2024. Analysis by the authority indicates that the tourists predominantly hailed from countries such as England, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Germany, Italy, Korea, Luxembourg, Russia, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, and the United States. The Le Champlain ship of the Hebridean Sky Company from France facilitated their visit to the world's oldest reserve for tourism activities.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBC) highlighted the significance of increased tourist arrivals, considering the sector's impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to NBC's statistics, between January and May 2022, the country hosted 458,048 tourists, reflecting a notable 44.4% increase compared to the 317,270 recorded during the same period in 2021.
Supporting this positive trend, on January 16, 2024, a ship carrying a total of 2,340 passengers and over 1,100 crew members docked at the Dar es Salaam Port, reinforcing the country's appeal as a tourist destination. This surge in tourism arrivals bodes well for Tanzania's ongoing recovery and growth in the sector.