Dodoma. The government has unveiled an ambitious spending plan for the tourism and natural resources sector, placing renewed emphasis on conservation, tourism infrastructure and international marketing.
Presenting her ministry’s 2026/27 budget estimates in Parliament on May 15, minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Ashatu Kijaji, said the sector continues to play a major role in Tanzania’s economy through foreign exchange earnings, employment and investment.
The ministry is seeking parliamentary approval for about Sh334 billion to finance recurrent and development activities during the coming financial year.
Dr Kijaji said the government intends to strengthen tourism services and improve access to protected areas as part of efforts to attract more international visitors.
She said ongoing projects include rehabilitation of roads inside national parks, expansion of air transport facilities and improvement of visitor accommodation in conservation areas.
According to the minister, the government has already completed construction works on several airstrips in key tourism circuits, while additional projects are continuing in other parks to ease tourist movement.
The ministry also plans to intensify promotion campaigns in emerging international markets, especially in Asia and the Middle East, while capitalising on major international events expected to raise Tanzania’s global profile in the coming years.
Dr Kijaji told lawmakers that digital technology will remain central to tourism reforms.
The government is expanding online systems to simplify licensing procedures, tourism information services and bookings.
She said authorities are also promoting conference tourism and cruise tourism to diversify tourism products and increase visitor spending.
On wildlife conservation, the minister said Tanzania has continued to record encouraging progress in protecting natural ecosystems and wildlife resources.
She noted that recent wildlife monitoring exercises showed positive trends in several protected areas, reflecting ongoing conservation efforts.
The minister further highlighted growth in the beekeeping subsector, saying honey production and exports continue to contribute to rural incomes and foreign exchange earnings.
Tourism performance has also improved, according to the ministry, with the number of international arrivals and sector earnings increasing compared to previous years.
Dr Kijaji said the government remains committed to balancing conservation with economic development to ensure natural resources continue benefiting present and future generations.
