Tanzania Welcomes Chinese Investment to Boost Tourism Appeal

The sparkling blue waters of the Indian Ocean lap at ivory sand beaches, while acacia trees dot endless savannas where lions, elephants, and zebras roam. This is the alluring natural beauty of Tanzania, home to renowned attractions like Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater. Now, a new $9.7 million tourism development deal with China aims to boost Tanzania’s appeal as a must-visit African destination.

Last week, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority and Chinese officials signed an agreement for the Ngorongoro-Lengai Geopark Project. This unique UNESCO-designated site protects the Ngorongoro Crater—the largest intact caldera in the world—and Olduvai Gorge, where some of the earliest human fossils have been discovered. The $9.7 million investment will fund infrastructure improvements to roads, visitor facilities, and access routes.

For Tanzania’s tourism-reliant economy, the deal is welcome news. The country’s awe-inspiring landscapes and exotic wildlife draw over 1 million visitors annually. Tourism contributes over 17% of Tanzania’s GDP and 25% of foreign exchange earnings. However, tourism numbers plunged during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new injection of funds can now help Tanzania rebuild and enhance the visitor experience.

The agreement highlights growing collaboration between Tanzania and China in developing tourism. According to Tanzania’s Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Damas Ndumbaro, China is already Tanzania’s fourth-largest source of tourists. Chinese visitors appreciate Tanzania’s unspoiled wild places and fascinating cultural encounters. By improving infrastructure at Ngorongoro-Lengai, Tanzania aims to attract more Chinese tourists and other international visitors.

For China, the partnership creates opportunities to project soft power influence in Africa. This builds on over 60 years of China-Tanzania diplomatic ties. As Chinese wealth grows, Africa’s natural wonders offer an enticing vacation destination for Chinese tourists. The deal also advances China’s “Belt and Road Initiative” to construct infrastructure abroad and expand trade routes.

However, some environmental concerns exist. Conservationists want assurances that upgrades will not overwhelm Ngorongoro-Lengai’s fragile ecosystem. The partners must balance boosting tourism with protecting endangered rhinos and elephants.

With last week’s deal, Tanzania and China have taken a meaningful step to propel Tanzania to its rightful place among the world’s top tourist destinations.