Tanzania unveils ambitious plan to position Dodoma as tourism hub

Arusha. Dodoma is poised for a major transformation into a leading tourism hub in Tanzania, as the government embarks on an ambitious plan to elevate the region’s attractions to international standards.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism in collaboration with the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS), Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) and private sector players, aims to revitalise key destinations such as Mkungunero Game Reserve, Swaga Swaga Game Reserve, and the prehistoric Kondoa Irangi rock paintings, all rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage.

According to the Acting Director of Tourism Development, Dainess Kunzugala, the comprehensive plan will improve infrastructure, including access roads, three-star and above accommodation, essential public amenities, and diversified tourism products and activities.

“Our goal is to ensure that Dodoma’s tourism sites are well-developed, accessible, and capable of hosting both local and international visitors comfortably,” she said.

Private sector participation is also gaining momentum. Epic Adventures Director, Joel Massai, noted that local investors are aligning their efforts with government initiatives to market and upgrade Dodoma’s attractions.

“The region is uniquely blessed with cultural, historical, and ecological treasures that can make Dodoma a focal point of tourism in Tanzania,” he said.

TFS Senior Assistant Commissioner for the Central Zone, Mathew Kiondo, said that several major attractions lie within forest reserves managed by the agency.

Elephants at the Swaga Swaga Game Reserve in Dodoma. PHOTO | COURTESY

He explained that efforts were underway to conserve and develop these areas to promote nature-based tourism and enhance local livelihoods.

Meanwhile, TTB Senior Tourism Officer for the Central Zone, George Mwagane, said that national mega projects, such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the construction of Msalato International Airport, will significantly boost accessibility and stimulate growth in the region’s tourism economy.

At the Kondoa Irangi Rock Art Centre, Manager Zuberi Mabie reported remarkable progress in domestic tourism.

The number of local tourists increased from 1,287 in 2018 to 7,654 in 2024, while international visitors grew from 171 in 2020 to 541 in 2024. He attributed the growth to improved infrastructure and government investment in service delivery.

The 2025 World Tourism Day, marked globally on September 27 under the theme Tourism and Sustainable Transformation, saw over 40 participants embark on a two-day excursion to the historical Kolo site in Kondoa—underscoring the region’s growing appeal as a cultural tourism destination.

Tanzania Leads Africa in Tourism Recovery

Nationally, Tanzania’s tourism sector continues to flourish. According to the United Nations Tourism report for 2024, the country ranks among Africa’s top performers in post-pandemic recovery, recording a 48 per cent growth in international arrivals—outpacing Ethiopia (40%), Morocco (35%), Kenya (11%), and Tunisia (9%).

Speaking during this year’s World Tourism Day celebrations held at Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Hassan Abbasi, said Tanzania has also been listed among the world’s top 20 countries with the fastest tourism growth, averaging over 50 per cent annually.

He revealed that the number of international arrivals surged from 922,692 in 2021 to 2,141,895 in 2024—an increase of 132.1 per cent.

Domestic tourism also rose sharply, from 788,933 to 3,218,352 visitors over the same period, representing a 307.9 per cent increase.

Combined, both segments brought total visitor numbers to 5.36 million by December 2024.

Tourism revenue similarly tripled, rising from $1.3 billion in 2021 to $3.9 billion in 2024.

Between January and July 2025 alone, tourist arrivals rose by 9.2 per cent to 1.27 million compared to 1.16 million during the same period in 2024.

He cited government-led efforts, such as infrastructure upgrades, digital innovation, and global promotional campaigns including The Royal Tour and Amazing Tanzania films, as key contributors to the sector’s rebound.

The country’s achievements have also been recognised through multiple World Travel Awards (WTA) honours by the World Luxury Media Group.

Dr Abbasi urged Tanzanians to participate more actively in the tourism economy, guided by the National Tourism Policy of 1999 and the Tourism Act (Cap 65), while calling upon the private sector to deepen collaboration with the government in sustainable tourism development.

Domestic Tourism Gains Momentum

Across the country, celebrations for World Tourism Day highlighted Tanzania’s diverse attractions and the rising enthusiasm for domestic travel.

In Katavi Region, hundreds of local tourists flocked to Katavi National Park, one of the country’s lesser-explored gems, to mark the day.

Regional Commissioner Mwanamvua Mrindoko commended TANAPA for organising the event and called on residents to safeguard their natural heritage.

“Let us work with TANAPA and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism to protect our parks so they continue to generate foreign exchange and jobs for our youth,” she said.

TANAPA’s Deputy Commissioner for Conservation and Business Development, Massana Mwishawa, emphasised the economic importance of domestic tourism, noting that increased awareness and local participation are vital for sustaining the country’s tourism growth.

As Tanzania’s tourism landscape evolves, Dodoma’s emergence as a new hub for Central Zone tourism exemplifies the government’s vision of spreading the benefits of the sector beyond traditional circuits like the northern and southern safari routes.

With improving infrastructure and strategic collaboration, the nation’s heartland is fast becoming its next great attraction.