President Samia Directs Investments Promotion to Boost Tourism
SUMMARY – PRESIDENT SAMIA HASSAN URGES INCREASED INVESTMENT IN LUXURY HOTELS TO ACCOMMODATE THE RECORD-BREAKING TOURIST INFLUX IN TANZANIA. COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS WITH HOLLYWOOD ACTOR IDRIS ELBA AND STREAMLINED INVESTMENT PROCESSES REFLECT HER COMMITMENT TO BOOST THE COUNTRY’S TOURISM SECTOR.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan takes action to address the increasing foreign tourist influx by promoting investment in luxury hotels.
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Record-breaking Tourism Numbers in Tanzania
The Bank of Tanzania’s Monthly Economic Review for June 2023 reveals a significant milestone in Tanzania’s tourism sector. The tourism arrivals surpasses 1.6 million in May 2023.
Tanzania’s travel receipts surged to $2,560.7 million in 2022 from $1,310.3 million in 2021, mirroring the rise in tourist arrivals. In 2022, the country welcomed 1,454,920 tourists, up from 922,692 in 2021 and 616,491 in 2020.
In 2020, the sector saw revenues decline to $1 billion as international travel restrictions took their toll. However, it has made a remarkable recovery, with $2.6 billion in revenues and 1.5 million arrivals in 2019.
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President Samia Advocates for More Luxury Hotels
During the inauguration of the 5-star Kwanza Resort by SUNRISE in Kizimkazi, President Samia expressed her satisfaction with the new establishment. She stressed the importance of attracting investors to set up more luxury hotels in Tanzania, highlighting the role of ZIPA and TIC in this endeavour.
President Samia underscored that such investments were vital for generating employment opportunities for Tanzanian youth.
President Samia’s “The Royal Tour” documentary brings positive results by attracting more tourists and investors. The documentary, unveiled in April 2022, showcased Tanzania’s history, culture, environment, food, and music. That is catalysing increased interest in Tanzania from tourists and investors alike.
President Samia’s Collaborative efforts to expand Tourism
A Hollywood actor, Adris Elba will soon establish a film studio in Tanzania, a move expected to further elevate the country’s appeal to tourists.
President Samia also revealed her recent collaboration with Chinese actor Jin Dong on a film titled “Nyumbani Milele,” intending to draw more tourists from China and around the globe.
ZIPA’s Executive Director, Asharif Ali Sharif, praised President Samia for promoting peace, stability, and a favourable business environmentattra. Her efforts attracts numerous investors, including plans for Formula One Race and NBA sports investments in Zanzibar.
During an event as part of the ‘Kizimkazi Festival,’ President Samia expressed gratitude to the Zanzibar government for creating a favourable environment for foreign investors. She highlighted the rapid development in the Unguja South region, including Kizimkazi village.
President Samia stressed the importance of engaging the private sector in achieving natural development, acknowledging the efficiency of ZIPA in streamlining investment applications.
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Investment Act 2023 to Boost Opportunities
Mr Mudrick Ramadhan Soraga, Zanzibar’s Minister for Labour, Economy, and Investment, revealed plans to present the ‘Investment Act 2023’ in the House of Representatives. This legislation aims to create more opportunities for investors, starting with as little as $2,000.
Hussein Hassanein, CEO of Kwanza Hotel, lauded the warm hospitality of Tanzanians and the conducive investment climate, which allowed him to construct a 151-room facility employing 300 staff, with 99% being Tanzanians.
Before opening the hotel, President Samia inaugurated a water supply station developed by DAWASA and ZAWA. She also unveiled a refurbished Kizimkazi school funded under TASAF, with 11 rooms, a computer lab, and administration offices.
