Tanzania, renowned for its diverse tourist attractions including wildlife safaris and pristine beaches, is actively pursuing strategies to attract more Chinese tourists. Currently, Tanzania receives only a fraction of the approximately 150 million Chinese tourists who travel worldwide annually. However, the country’s Natural Resources and Tourism Minister, Mohamed Mchengerwa, envisions a significant shift in this trend.
Exploring the China’s Lucrative Outbound Travel Market
During a recent visit by a group of Chinese travel agents and journalists to assess iconic tourist sites in Tanzania’s northern circuit, Minister Mchengerwa expressed his desire to tap into the massive Chinese outbound travel market. Travel representatives, hailing from leading firms in China that handle around 40 million outbound travelers annually, provide an excellent opportunity for Tanzania to attract visitors and bolster its tourism sector.
To facilitate easier travel between the two nations, the Tanzanian government has implemented various initiatives. One such measure is the introduction of direct flights from Tanzania to China. Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) currently operates three direct flights per week between Dar es Salaam and Guangzhou, the commercial southern city of China. These flights, temporarily suspended due to the pandemic, resumed on May 11, 2023. Furthermore, ATCL has offered a substantial 50 percent discount on air tickets to China, incentivizing potential Chinese tourists to explore the beauty of Tanzania.
Zanzibar Hosts Chinese Travel Agents
As an important step toward strengthening ties with the Chinese market, the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT) recently hosted a group of travel agents from China. This visit marks the first group of Chinese travel agents since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Hafsa Mbamba, the Executive Director of ZCT, highlighted the significance of this visit, as it presents an opportunity to showcase Tanzania’s cultural heritage, beach tourism, and various other attractions. The objective is to equip these travel agents with firsthand experiences, enabling them to effectively promote Tanzania upon their return to China.
The Tanzanian government is committed to implementing measures that will enhance the tourism sector. With a focus on upgrading facilities, including transport infrastructure, hotels, and lodges, the government aims to attract more tourists, particularly from China. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism’s Deputy Permanent Secretary, Anderson Mutategwa, affirmed that these efforts align with Tanzania’s goal of attracting five million visitors annually by 2025. This ambitious target, outlined in the Third National Five-Year Development Plan (FYDP III), spanning from 2021 to 2026, is projected to generate $6 billion in revenue.
