Tanzania: Tourism has become Tanzania’s leading source of foreign exchange. It has surpassed gold for the first time. The Bank of Tanzania collected tourism revenue that soared to $3.92 billion in the year ending May 2025, up from $3.63 billion the previous year.
Reportedly, Tanzania’s Tourism has surpassed gold as top foreign exchange earner and has achieved the economic milestone. In a groundbreaking economic development, Tanzania’s tourism sector has officially overtaken gold as the primary foreign exchange generator of the country which reached an impressive $3.92 billion in earnings during the year ending of May 2025.
Bank of Tanzania’s Monthly Economic Review revealed a significant surge in tourism revenues, with an increase of $3.63 billion last year. This remarkable growth represents 55.1% of all service-related receipts that highlighted the critical role of the sectors in the national economy.
International tourist arrivals have been a key driver of the success and recorded 2,170,360 visitors as 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.
However, in a strategic move to support the tourism industry, the Bank of Tanzania has introduced targeted policy adjustments. A landmark decision made on July 08, 2025 that granted tour operators exemptions from select foreign exchange regulations. This allowed them greater flexibility in managing international transactions.
As per the sources, the exemption permits tour companies to use foreign currency for two critical purposes – firstly to pay for services on behalf of non-resident tourists and purchasing specialized tourism vehicles from domestic suppliers. The decision came amid broader efforts to manage the currency regulations while supporting the growth of the tourism sector.
The 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 balance 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 resilience of the sector and potential for driving economic growth and development.