Tanzania cuts tourism licensing fees to boost local investment and conservation efforts
Tourism Minister Pindi Chana announced additional measures, such as waiving park entry fees for licensed tour guides, adding that all payments will now be made in Tanzanian shillings.
The government of Tanzania has lowered licensing fees for local investors in the accommodation sector as part of a draft of new measures aimed at boosting the country's tourism sector.
Investors will now part with $1500 (Sh193,950) to secure the tourism business licence for five-star establishments, down from an initial fee of $2500 (Sh323,250).
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Tanzania's Natural Resources and Tourism Minister, Dr Pindi Chana, announced the development on Tuesday when she presented budget estimates for the 2025/26 financial year to Parliament.
"The government will continue to collaborate closely with the private sector to enhance efficiency in conservation and tourism, through sectoral dialogues under the Tanzania National Business Council (TNBC) and other regular stakeholder engagements," said Chana.
Chana also announced additional measures, such as waiving park entry fees for licensed tour guides, adding that all payments will now be made in Tanzanian shillings.
She added that registration fees for mountain climbing agencies have been lowered from $2,000 to Sh143,238 (TSh3 million), while annual tour guide licence fees have decreased from $50 to Sh1,671 (TSh35,000).
"These reforms are part of a broader strategy to eliminate bottlenecks and empower the private sector," said Chana.
Combat rampant poaching
She also unveiled plans to combat rampant poaching and illegal wildlife trade in Tanzania, noting that the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) will receive an allocation of Sh811.7 million (TSh17 billion), while the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) is set to get Sh882.4 million (TSh18.48 billion).
A portion of TANAPA's funding will go towards constructing a modern control room in Serengeti National Park to strengthen anti-poaching surveillance efforts.
These reforms are among the ministry's 10 strategic priorities for the upcoming financial year, for which it has proposed a budget of Sh17.24 billion (TSh359.98 billion). They are expected to enhance opportunities for local businesses and bolster Tanzania's standing as a premier destination for tourism and investment.
Out of the proposed budget, Sh5.06 billion (TSh105.74 billion) has been allocated to development projects. In comparison, the ministry received Sh17.2 billion (TSh348.12 billion) in the 2024/25 financial year, with Sh97.24 billion designated for development initiatives.
Other priority areas for Tanzania in the 2025/26 financial year include boosting both local and international tourism, expanding the range of tourism attractions, improving infrastructure to support conservation efforts and tourism growth and using advanced technology to better manage and monitor natural resources.
The government also intends to develop stronger value chains in forestry and beekeeping, upgrade data and research capabilities and raise public understanding of sustainable conservation.
The Tourism Ministry also seeks to revise policies and regulations to better reflect current conditions and investment opportunities.
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