[PRESSWIRE] Dubai, – — The United Republic of Tanzania is seeking stronger backing from the United Nations’ tourism agency to accelerate growth in its tourism sector through sustainability, digital transformation and market diversification, President Samia Suluhu Hassan said on Tuesday after talks in Dubai.

Samia met Shaikha Al Nowais, the newly appointed Secretary-General of UN Tourism, reaffirming Tanzania’s commitment to a long-term strategic partnership with the organisation, according to a statement from the presidency.

The discussions focused on sustainable and eco-tourism, community-based tourism in Zanzibar and Mafia Island, and the use of digital marketing and data-driven planning to improve destination management and global visibility.

The two sides also explored opportunities to diversify tourism products, including sports, cultural and heritage tourism.

UN Tourism has expressed readiness to support Tanzania’s ambition to raise annual tourist arrivals to 8 million and increase the sector’s contribution to gross domestic product to 24% from about 17%, the statement said.

Al Nowais described Tanzania as one of Africa’s leading tourism destinations and cited the international exposure generated by recent promotional initiatives, including high-profile documentary campaigns showcasing the country’s natural and cultural assets.

She also pledged support for capacity building, technical assistance and policy guidance, and welcomed Tanzania’s interest in hosting a UN Tourism regional office, a move that could strengthen the country’s role as a tourism hub in East Africa.

Al Nowais accepted an invitation to visit Tanzania to further advance cooperation.

Tanzania has maintained a close working relationship with UN Tourism, particularly in sustainable tourism development, eco-tourism and destination planning.

The government of the United Republic of Tanzania sees deeper engagement with the agency as central to its efforts to build a high-quality, inclusive and climate-smart tourism sector in line with its Vision 2050 development agenda.

Beyond tourism, the talks also touched on Tanzania’s broader international engagement, including efforts to promote closer cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean through South–South investment initiatives and improved aviation connectivity.

The Tanzania government said stronger links with Caribbean nations, including Antigua and Barbuda, align with its push to expand trade, tourism and Commonwealth partnerships.

Tourism remains a key pillar of Tanzania’s economic strategy, with the sector expected to drive job creation, attract private investment and support broader growth as the country positions itself as a premium global destination.

· Zanzibar and Mafia Island are key focus areas for community-based and eco-tourism development.

· Tanzania is exploring the possibility of hosting a UN Tourism regional office, which would strengthen its role as a tourism hub in East Africa.

· The engagement also reflects Tanzania’s broader South–South cooperation strategy, including efforts to deepen Africa–Caribbean relations through trade, tourism and aviation connectivity.

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