Tanzania is projected to receive 5 million international tourists in 2025, surpassing the ambitious target of 4.5 million, the Daily News quoted the tourism minister Mohamed Mchengerwa as saying at the Serengeti National Park, where he observed the great wildebeest migration.
The 800-kilometre migration of the enormous wildebeest herd occurs when the animals cross the Mara River in search of new, more fertile grazing grounds.
Mchengerwa said the event had attracted tens of millions of tourists in the past 60 years.
Meanwhile, the minister said that the state's relentless endeavour to enhance tourism infrastructure and services has led to a remarkable increase in the influx of flights bringing tourists into the country. More than 60 aeroplanes land in the region every day, which he argues could surpass the daily arrival count at the Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) in Dar es Salaam.
However, the Minister advised retailers, hotels, and tourism businesses to prepare to serve visitors. He believes that tourists will spend a lot of money at the residents' trendy shops.
Mchengerwa strongly encouraged retail business owners, hotels, and tourism operators to prepare themselves to provide exceptional services and goods to tourists. The expectation is that tourists will patronise local contemporary stores, thereby making a significant contribution to the economy.
Tanzania's foreign currency earnings receive a significant boost from the tourism industry, accounting for no less than 25%.