Tanzania Expands Tourism Infrastructure to Boost Global Competitiveness

 

The Tanzanian government has continued to invest heavily in tourism infrastructure development as part of broader efforts to strengthen the sector’s competitiveness and increase its contribution to the national economy.

Speaking in Parliament in Dodoma on May 15, 2026, the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ashatu Kijaji said the government has made major progress in improving access and services within key tourist destinations across the country.

While presenting the ministry’s revenue and expenditure estimates for the 2026/27 financial year, Dr Kijaji revealed that the government completed the construction of three airstrips in Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park. She added that construction of the Mikumi Airstrip is expected to be completed by October 2026.

The minister further explained that eight additional airstrips located in Mikumi, Ruaha, Nyerere and Serengeti National Park have been rehabilitated to improve transportation services for tourists visiting the parks.

According to Dr Kijaji, the government has also constructed and rehabilitated 3,757.92 kilometers of roads and 523.14 kilometers of walking trails in protected areas, making it easier for visitors to access tourist attractions.

Tourism infrastructure has also been strengthened through the construction of six visitor rest areas and nine entry gates in Nyerere, Mikumi and Ruaha national parks.

In addition, tourism centers have been established in the forests of Mount Meru Forest Reserve, Vikindu, Mwambesi, Pindiro, Mount Rungwe and Lake Duluti. One tourist camp has also been constructed in the Kilombero Nature Forest Reserve.

Dr Kijaji said the investments are already delivering positive results, including improved accessibility to tourist attractions, enhanced visitor experiences, and increased employment and business opportunities for communities living near conservation areas.

She noted that the improvements have also contributed to higher government revenue and continued growth of the tourism industry.

Highlighting the impact of the improvements in Tanzania’s Southern Circuit, the minister said the number of tourists increased from 197,402 to 205,520 between July 2025 and April 2026. During the same period, revenue rose from 24.6bn/- to 27.7bn/-.

The minister said the achievements demonstrate the government’s commitment to continue improving tourism infrastructure in order to strengthen Tanzania’s position in the global tourism market, stimulate economic growth and improve the livelihoods of citizens.