Tanzania recorded 2,141,895 international visitor arrivals in 2024, according to the 2024 International Visitors’ Exit Survey Report recently released by the Bank of Tanzania (BOT).
The report is a product of collaborative engagement of the Ministry of Natural
Resources and Tourism, Bank of Tanzania, National Bureau of Statistics,
Immigration Services Department and Zanzibar Commission for Tourism.
The 2.1 million international visitors represent a 40% increase above pre-pandemic levels and a sharp rise from 1,808,205 arrivals in 2023.
Tourism earnings also increased by 15.7% to USD 3,903.1 million in 2024, up from USD 3,373.8 million the previous year, confirming tourism’s role as one of the country’s leading sources of foreign exchange.
Zanzibar also maintained its strong performance, with tourist arrivals reaching 601,006 in 2024, an increase of 10.8% year-on-year, while the average length of stay rose to 7 nights from 6 nights. Earnings rose by 10.1% to USD 997.8 million from USD 906.6 million in 2023.
Key Drivers of Tourism Growth
Tanzania’s performance in 2024 was supported by promotional initiatives, new events, and improved connectivity.
The launch of the documentary “Amazing Tanzania” in Beijing in May 2024, featuring President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi, was a key promotional milestone. The documentary highlighted major attractions including Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, and Zanzibar.
During the year, Tanzania received five awards at the World Travel Awards, including Africa’s Leading Safari Destination, Africa’s Leading National Park (Serengeti), and Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction (Mount Kilimanjaro). Zanzibar was recognized as Africa’s Leading Festival and Event Destination, while the Tanzania Tourist Board was named Africa’s Leading Tourist Board.
Other highlights included Ngorongoro Crater being listed among the Second 100 International Union of Geological Sciences Heritage Sites, the launch of Hot Air Balloon Tours at Ruaha National Park, and the inaugural Zanzibar Cup Kusi International Kite Surfing Competition. New airline routes by World2fly, Jambojet, and TUI Fly improved air access.
Findings from the Survey
The survey shows that the United States remained Tanzania’s top source market in 2024, followed by Italy and Kenya. China, South Africa, and Australia entered the top 15 source markets for the first time, reflecting growing diversification.
Leisure and holidays accounted for 74.3% of visits to mainland Tanzania and 91% of visits to Zanzibar. Visitors from France had the longest average stay in Tanzania at 15 nights, while visitors from Italy, Spain, and Germany stayed an average of 8 nights in Zanzibar.
Package tours became more popular, representing 56.3% of visits in 2024 compared to 49% in 2023.
Visitor demographics showed that nearly half of arrivals were aged 25–44 years, while 65% were first-time visitors, an increase from 56.4% in 2023.
Wildlife safaris and beach tourism remained the leading activities, with Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Zanzibar beaches, Stone Town, and Tarangire ranking as the most visited sites.
Average expenditure was USD 243 per person per night in mainland Tanzania and USD 251 in Zanzibar. Holidaymakers spent the most, with an average of USD 290.7, while Chinese visitors recorded the highest expenditure among top markets at USD 491.8 per person per night.
Visitors highlighted Tanzania’s hospitality, wildlife, and beaches as main attractions, while also noting areas for improvement such as road and transport infrastructure, visa processing, and service quality.
Global Tourism Context
Globally, international tourist arrivals reached 1.4 billion in 2024, marking a 99% recovery from pre-pandemic levels and an 11% increase over 2023. Africa exceeded its 2019 arrivals by 7%.
International tourist receipts reached USD 1.6 trillion, surpassing 2019 levels by 4%.
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) projects global tourism growth of 3–5% in 2025, supporting expectations that Tanzania’s tourism sector will continue on a positive trajectory, driven by global demand, domestic policy support, and marketing initiatives.
