Tanzania made a strong impression at the 21st Akwaaba African Travel Market, the biggest and only international travel expo in West Africa, with an engaging presentation that highlighted the country’s diverse tourism endowments and expanding investment opportunities.
Representatives from Destination Tanzania was present , H.E. Selestine Gervas Kakele, High Commissioner of Tanzania to Nigeria and the Marketing Manager Vivian Temi, shared key insights on the nation’s thriving tourism sector, emphasizing its strategic accessibility, natural wealth, and growing appeal to investors across various tiers of the industry.
Tanzania, the second-largest country in East Africa, boasts a population of 61.7 million people (Mainland: 59.8 million; Zanzibar: 1.8 million) and is home to over 120 ethnic groups, reflecting a rich cultural diversity. The country operates on a robust and stable economy, with a GDP growth rate of 7%, inflation rate of 3%, and protected areas covering 32% of its total landmass — a testament to its strong commitment to conservation and sustainable development.
Tanzania is accessible by land, sea, and air, with three major international airports — Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA), Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (AAKIA) — served by over 20 global airlines connecting the nation to the world.
The presentation also underscored Tanzania’s incredible tourism endowments, including:
21 National Parks
1 Conservation Area
28 Game Reserves
43 Game Controlled Areas
38 Wildlife Management Areas
19 Nature Reserves
3 Ramsar Sites
125 Archaeological Sites
15 Marine Reserves
3 Great Lakes, and
Miles of pristine beaches
Tanzania proudly holds seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Serengeti National Park, Kilimanjaro National Park, Selous Game Reserve, Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara, Kondoa Rock Art Sites, and Stone Town of Zanzibar, all of which contribute to its position as one of Africa’s most diverse destinations.
The presentation went beyond safari tourism, emphasizing Tanzania’s wide range of offerings — from beach vacations, cultural heritage, gastronomy, and MICE tourism to sports, adventure, wellness, medical tourism, and destination weddings.
Highlighting investment opportunities, officials outlined two major tiers:
Tier 1: Hotels, lodges, transport, and airlines.
Tier 2: Restaurants, theme parks, golf courses, and entertainment facilities.
Tanzania’s participation at Akwaaba reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening tourism partnerships, attracting investors, and positioning itself as a top choice for both travelers and tourism developers in Africa.
“Tanzania is not just a safari destination; it’s an experience that combines nature, culture, and opportunity,” noted the country’s tourism representative. “Our doors are open to investors who share our vision for sustainable growth in the tourism sector.”
