DUBAI: Tanzania is seeking stronger support from the United Nations’ tourism agency to accelerate growth in its tourism sector through sustainability, diversification and digital transformation.
The revelation came during a meeting between Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan and newly appointed United Nations (UN) Tourism Secretary General Shaikha Al Nowais on Tuesday in Dubai.
President Samia congratulated the new UN Tourism boss on becoming the first woman to hold the post and reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to a long-term strategic partnership with the organisation, according to a statement from the presidency.
The talks between the two leaders focused on transforming Tanzania’s tourism sector in line with Vision 2050, with priority areas including sustainable and eco-tourism, community-based tourism models in Zanzibar and Mafia Island, and the digital transformation of tourism.
The discussions also covered destination branding, digital marketing and data-driven planning aimed at improving destination management and boosting Tanzania’s global visibility.
The two parts also explored diversification of tourism products, including sports tourism, cultural tourism and heritage tourism.
UN Tourism expressed readiness to support Tanzania’s ambition to increase annual tourist arrivals to 8 million and raise the sector’s contribution to gross domestic product to 24%, up from about 17%, the statement said.
Al Nowais described Tanzania as one of Africa’s leading tourism destinations and cited the strong international exposure generated by recent promotional initiatives, including high-profile documentary campaigns showcasing the country’s natural and cultural assets.
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She pledged UN Tourism’s support in capacity building, technical assistance and policy guidance, and welcomed Tanzania’s interest in hosting a UN Tourism regional office — a move that could strengthen the country’s role as a tourism hub in East Africa.
Al Nowais also accepted an invitation to visit Tanzania to further advance cooperation.
Tanzania has maintained a close working relationship with UN Tourism, particularly in sustainable tourism development, eco-tourism and destination planning. The government said deeper engagement with the agency is central to building a high-quality, inclusive and climate-smart tourism sector.
Beyond tourism, the discussions also touched on Tanzania’s broader international engagement, including efforts to promote Africa–Caribbean cooperation through South–South investment initiatives and improved aviation connectivity.
The government said stronger links with Caribbean countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, align with its strategy to expand trade, tourism and Commonwealth partnerships.
Tourism remains a core pillar of Tanzania’s economic strategy, with the sector expected to drive job creation, attract private investment and support broader economic growth as the country positions itself as a premium global destination.
