TANZANIA: WHILE ongoing government campaigns to attract more tourists continue to yield positive results, the challenge remains of how Tanzania can sustainably preserve its natural tourism resources.
Known as a premier global tourism destination, Tanzania is working to achieve an ambitious target of attracting eight million tourists annually by 2030, up from the over five million visitors recorded in 2025.
This goal is driven by enhanced tourism services and strategic promotional efforts.
However, there is no rose without a thorn. Tanzania’s current push to increase tourist traffic simultaneously surfaces diverse environmental and cultural risks, necessitating special attention.
Air pollution, environmental degradation, and cultural erosion stand out as potential negative impacts likely to emerge alongside the targeted surge in tourist numbers, unless stringent measures are put in place.
Amid these ambitious targets, there is a need to ensure the sector grows in tandem with the improved preservation of Tanzania’s endowed natural tourism resources.
This must be done while ensuring local communities benefit from the sector, beyond just increasing revenue for the state.
To this end, Land Africa Safaris—a professional and dynamic Tanzanian multi-service provider—has decided to advocate for a new philosophy of Responsible Tourism within the country’s tourism sector.
According to the Director of Land Africa Safaris, Mr. Timoth Mdinka, Responsible or Active Tourism involves visiting a destination in a way that minimizes negative environmental, social, and cultural impacts while maximizing positive benefits for local communities.
“It’s a new and useful philosophy for the tourism sector which focuses on making better places for people to live in and visit, emphasizing respect for local cultures, supporting local economies, and protecting ecosystems,” he noted.
He observed that Tanzania is endowed with diverse key natural resources that offer unique and captivating attractions to visitors.
“The natural resources present in Tanzania speak to a bright future for the tourism sector, provided they are well cared for and preserved,” he insisted.
As part of championing responsible tourism, Mr. Mdinka said the company, which operates in the East African tourism market, is implementing a range of initiatives.
“First, we have worked and continue to work on all possibilities to significantly reduce the number of tourism vans entering national parks,” he said.
This can be largely achieved through the diversification of tourism products to help reduce visitor traffic at single destinations, he added.
The introduction of bee tourism is another intervention the company has ventured into to help achieve responsible tourism along Tanzania’s tourism corridor.
“With bee tourism, there’s no need for many tourist vehicles to roam, as visitors can stay for five to seven days observing and studying these insects at a single destination. This helps preserve the ecology,” he explained.
Geotourism is another initiative Land Africa Safaris has adopted, in line with its efforts to ensure the sustainable preservation of tourism resources amid growing visitor numbers.
Mr. Mdinka noted that this approach creates a joint platform through which local communities and government officials at regional, district, and ward levels can align to preserve tourism resources in their respective geographical areas.
“Geotourism is a form of sustainable, knowledge-based tourism focused on a region’s geology, landscapes, and landforms,” he said.
“It promotes the conservation of geodiversity, educates visitors about earth processes, and connects people with deep-time history—including volcanoes, fossils, and rock formations—while supporting local communities,” the Land Africa Safaris director revealed.
Apart from helping to resolve land disputes, Mr. Mdinka noted that geotourism enhances the distinctive geographical character of a place—its environment, heritage, aesthetics, culture, and the well-being of its residents.
While focusing on abiotic nature (rocks, landscapes), he added, geotourism often interprets the interaction between geology, biology (flora/fauna), and existing human culture.
“The primary goal of this tourism approach is to protect geological heritage through sustainable tourism practices,” he insisted.
He expressed commitment that the reputable company, which has extended its operational foothold into several East African countries including Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, will stand at the forefront to advocate for the practice of Active Tourism in Tanzania.
“As part of supplementing efforts championed by the government of Tanzania to elevate the performance of the tourism sector, relevant stakeholders must come together to ensure the sustainable preservation and development of key natural resources in the sector. This will allow the country to continue offering unforgettable experiences to visitors,” he urged.
Tourism remains a vital pillar of Tanzania’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP, employment, and foreign exchange earnings.
The government’s current strategy seeks to further unlock the sector’s potential through innovation, investment, and inclusive development.
According to the Bank of Tanzania’s latest Monthly Economic Review, tourism revenues totaled $3.92 billion (about TZS 10.16 trillion) in the year ending May 2025, up from $3.63 billion (about TZS 9.4 trillion) the previous year. This growth accounts for more than half (55.1%) of all service-related income, highlighting the sector’s increasing economic impact.
Key Principles and Practices of Responsible Tourism
Environmental Protection: Reduce waste, conserve water, respect wildlife, and use eco-friendly transportation.
Economic Benefit: Support local businesses, artisans, and guides to ensure tourism money stays within the community.
Cultural Respect: Learn local customs, dress appropriately, and interact respectfully with residents.
Conscious Choices: Opt for locally owned accommodations, eat local food, and avoid exploitative tourism, such as harmful animal attractions.
How to Be a Responsible Tourist
Pack Mindfully: Bring reusable items like water bottles, bags, and eco-friendly toiletries.
Travel Slowly: Spend more time in one place rather than rushing through, which reduces your carbon footprint.
Engage Locally:Â Participate in community-based tourism and engage in acts of kindness.
Be Informed:Â Research your destination to understand local issues and how to minimize your impact.
Key Aspects of Tanzania’s Status in Global Tourism
Leading African Destination: Recognized as Africa’s Leading Safari Destination, with the Serengeti named Africa’s Leading National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro as the top tourist attraction.
Rapid Growth and High Value:Â In 2024, the sector achieved an 18.5 percent growth rate in earnings. The country is successfully attracting high-value, first-time, and long-haul visitors from the US, Europe, and Asia (especially China).
Diversification and Sustainability: Beyond wildlife, Zanzibar is recognized as a leading global beach destination. The industry is shifting toward sustainable tourism to manage ecological pressures on national parks.
Strategic Outlook:Â With a 2030 target of 8 million visitors, the country is investing in infrastructure and addressing challenges like taxation and service quality to maintain competitiveness.
About Land Africa Safaris
Land Africa Safaris is a travel and tourism service provider specializing in authentic, tailored safari experiences, VIP transportation, and corporate services like MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and team-building. They focus on creating memorable adventures, operating in East Africa to deliver high-quality, personalized travel.
With its headquarters in Dar es Salaam and branches across the country, the company offers “authentic safaris” and “VIP transportation,” catering to both leisure and corporate clients. Their offerings include MICE services, DMC (Destination Management Company) services, team building, and leadership training.
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