Tanzania’s Tourism Surpasses Gold as Top Foreign Exchange Earner, Marking Economic Milestone
In a groundbreaking economic development, Tanzania’s tourism sector has officially overtaken gold as the country’s primary foreign exchange generator, reaching an impressive $3.92 billion in earnings during the year ending May 2025.
The Bank of Tanzania’s Monthly Economic Review reveals a significant surge in tourism revenues, increasing from $3.63 billion in the previous year. This remarkable growth represents 55.1 percent of all service-related receipts, highlighting the sector’s critical role in the national economy.
International tourist arrivals have been a key driver of this success, climbing to 2,170,360 visitors compared to 1,961,870 in the previous period. The earnings now marginally exceed gold revenues, which stood at $3.83 billion during the same timeframe.
In a strategic move to support the tourism industry, the Bank of Tanzania has introduced targeted policy adjustments. A landmark decision on July 8, 2025, granted tour operators exemptions from select foreign exchange regulations, allowing them greater flexibility in managing international transactions.
The exemption permits tour companies to use foreign currency for two critical purposes: paying for services on behalf of non-resident tourists and purchasing specialized tourism vehicles from domestic suppliers. This decision comes amid broader efforts to manage currency regulations while supporting the tourism sector’s growth.
Tour industry leaders have welcomed the move, emphasizing its importance in maintaining Tanzania’s competitive edge in the global tourism market. The policy demonstrates a nuanced approach to balancing monetary regulations with the practical needs of the tourism industry.
As Tanzania continues to position itself as a premier tourism destination, this milestone underscores the sector’s resilience and potential for driving economic growth and development.
