Tanzania, known for its world-renowned safaris, diverse wildlife, and rich landscapes, is rapidly becoming a top destination for luxury travel. With a strong resurgence in international tourism, the country is diversifying its offerings to appeal to a broader range of visitors. From global hotel brands expanding their presence to the development of new tourism-focused infrastructure, Tanzania’s tourism landscape is evolving, and the future looks brighter than ever.
Tanzania’s tourism industry has witnessed extraordinary growth, with international arrivals reaching 2.14 million in 2024. This is a significant rise from just under 923,000 in 2021. The surge in visitors is largely attributed to strategic marketing campaigns targeting key international markets, such as Europe and North America. Alongside these efforts, improvements in the nation’s infrastructure, including better connectivity and tourist services, have enhanced the overall travel experience.
Tourism now plays a pivotal role in Tanzania’s economy, contributing approximately 17.2% to its GDP and accounting for 25% of its foreign exchange earnings. The sector has created thousands of jobs across various industries, ranging from hospitality to transportation, making it a key driver of economic growth.
With the rise in tourism, the demand for premium accommodations has followed suit. Leading global hotel chains have recognized the potential of the Tanzanian market, and several major brands are rapidly establishing their presence. Marriott has already made a mark with the opening of the Mapito Safari Camp in 2025, a 16-suite luxury tented camp located in the Serengeti. Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, the camp offers an exclusive and intimate safari experience for discerning travellers.
Marriott is also expanding further with plans for the JW Marriott Serengeti Lodge, slated to open in 2026. This 30-room property will offer a refined, all-inclusive base for visitors exploring the world-famous Serengeti. In addition, Kempinski has plans to unveil Longosa Lodge in 2027, a 75-room property that will further establish the Serengeti as a high-end safari destination.
While Tanzania is synonymous with its wildlife safaris, the government is actively working to diversify its tourism offerings. This includes a strong push to develop coastal and island tourism, with Zanzibar emerging as a key player in Tanzania’s tourism diversification strategy.
Zanzibar’s pristine beaches, clear turquoise waters, and cultural richness make it an attractive destination for those seeking luxury beach holidays. The island is becoming a prime spot for high-end hotel development, with international brands lining up to open properties. Hilton will soon debut its Canopy by Hilton Zanzibar, and Four Seasons and Le Meridien have already started construction on luxurious resorts that will cater to affluent travellers.
In addition to the rising coastal tourism, Tanzania is also focusing on eco-tourism, promoting the country’s stunning natural environments while maintaining sustainability. The government is pushing to develop the meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE) sector, opening up new opportunities for business tourism. This diversification will help the country appeal to a wider range of visitors, including corporate groups, eco-tourists, and leisure travellers.
Zanzibar’s rise as a luxury destination is accelerating, with more high-end hotels under construction. The opening of Canopy by Hilton Zanzibar will add to the island’s growing portfolio of luxury offerings. In addition, Four Seasons and Le Meridien are developing prestigious resorts that will undoubtedly attract high-end tourists from across the globe.
The Iberostar brand will make its East African debut in Zanzibar with the Iberostar Selection Muyuni Beach, a 360-room resort slated for 2026. Swiss-Belhotel is also making its move with the 125-room Swiss-Belresort Zanzibar, which will offer another upscale accommodation option for visitors. Furthermore, Marriott will enhance Zanzibar’s appeal with a new property under its Tribute Portfolio brand, further cementing the island’s status as a top-tier beach destination.
Tanzania’s largest city, Dar es Salaam, is also seeing a significant rise in hotel development. Serena Hotels is undertaking a major refurbishment of the Serena Tanzania hotel, which will feature 230 rooms and cater to both business and leisure tourists. In 2026, Radisson Blu will open a new hotel in Dar es Salaam, occupying the top 14 floors of a 33-storey tower. The 196-room property will offer state-of-the-art facilities and attract business travellers, further establishing the city as a hub for both commerce and tourism.
Tanzania’s hospitality sector is expanding rapidly, with over 3,400 rooms in the pipeline across 29 ongoing projects as of early 2025. This development places Tanzania in the top ten for hotel growth across Africa. These new projects will cater to a wide array of visitors, from luxury safari lodges and beach resorts to urban business hotels. This influx of international hotel brands reflects the country’s growing importance in the global tourism industry.
Tanzania’s tourism sector is thriving, thanks to increasing international arrivals and a surge in hotel development. The country is moving beyond its traditional reliance on safari tourism, embracing a broader range of travel experiences, including coastal holidays, eco-tourism, and business travel. Zanzibar’s growing appeal as a luxury beach destination, combined with new developments in Dar es Salaam, will help position Tanzania as a leading destination for diverse travellers.
The future looks exceptionally bright for Tanzania’s tourism industry, with continued investment from global hotel brands, the development of new infrastructure, and a growing focus on sustainability. As the country continues to diversify its tourism offerings, Tanzania is set to become one of Africa’s most dynamic and exciting destinations, attracting visitors from all over the world for years to come.
