Tourism has officially replaced gold as Tanzania’s leading foreign exchange earner, marking a major turning point in the country’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the Bank of Tanzania’s June 2025 Monthly Economic Review, tourism brought in $3.92 billion in the year ending May 2025.
That’s an increase from $3.63 billion the previous year, now making up 55.1% of all earnings from services.
Gold, which had held the top spot, generated $3.83 billion over the same period.
A sharp rise in international tourist arrivals played a key role in the tourism sector’s growth.
Visitor numbers reached 2,170,360, up from 1,961,870 the year before.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been central to the sector’s progress, leading efforts to boost tourism through policy reforms aimed at easing industry restrictions and encouraging growth.
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On July 8, 2025, the central bank introduced partial exemptions from some foreign exchange controls for tour operators.
Industry players welcomed the move, which allows them to use foreign currency in two areas: paying for services on behalf of non-resident tourists and purchasing specialised tourism vehicles from local suppliers.
The decision was seen as a way to reduce operational challenges while keeping the wider currency market stable.
It also shows a stronger national push to build tourism into a key driver of economic development.
With world-famous attractions such as Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, and Zanzibar’s beaches, Tanzania continues to gain global attention as a top destination.
The country’s growing reputation was further cemented at the 2024 World Travel Awards, where Tanzania was named Africa’s Leading Destination and the World’s Leading Safari Destination.
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Image Credit: The Citizen
