Nature-based tourism

The Government of Tanzania views tourism as a significant industry in terms of job creation, poverty alleviation, and foreign exchange earnings. In 2001, the tourism sector accounted for about 16% of the GDP and nearly 25% of total export earnings (MNRT 2005). Moreover, it directly supported 156,050 jobs. The main tourist attraction in Tanzania is associated to the natural assets of the country. The country wildlife resources are internationally renown. Most visited sites include the great Serengeti plains, the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, in the north, Mikumi, Udzungwa and Ruaha National parks and Selous game Reserve in the south. Additional natural attractions include the sandy beaches in the north and south of Dar es Salaam and the deep-sea fishing at Mafia. Furthermore, Tanzania has a rich heritage of archaeological, historical and rock painting sites, a number of which have been designated World Heritage Sites.