ARUSHA: As Tanzania intensifies preparations to co-host the prestigious 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, hotel owners and hospitality investors across the country have been urged to upgrade their facilities and improve service standards to accommodate an expected influx of up to 300,000 tourists per day.
The call was made by Tanzania’s Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr. Ashatu Kijaji, during an inspection tour of accommodation infrastructure development in the Mto wa Mbu Game Controlled Area on April 23, 2026.
She was accompanied by Deputy Permanent Secretary Nkoba Mabula and other ministry officials during the visit in Monduli, Arusha.
AFCON 2027 to Create a Major Tourism Boom
Dr. Kijaji said Tanzania is expected to receive a significant number of domestic and international visitors during the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.
She emphasized that the continental football competition presents a rare economic opportunity for the tourism and hospitality sectors.
“It is important for every hotel owner to prepare well in order to serve guests with the quality they deserve,” said Dr. Kijaji.
According to the minister, the tournament will not only attract football fans, but also international tourists seeking safari experiences, cultural tourism, and beach holidays across Tanzania.
Hotel Owners Urged to Upgrade Infrastructure and Services
The minister called on hotel and lodge owners nationwide to improve:
- Accommodation infrastructure
- Customer service standards
- Food and beverage services
- Digital booking systems
- Safety and security systems
- Cleanliness and international hospitality standards
She noted that businesses that prepare early will be in a better position to maximize revenues and build long-term customer loyalty.
The government believes improved hospitality services will strengthen Tanzania’s reputation as a leading African tourism destination.
Huge Economic Opportunity for Citizens
Dr. Kijaji said the arrival of AFCON 2027 in East Africa will provide a major opportunity for Tanzanians to benefit economically through:
- Hotel and lodge bookings
- Tour operations and safari packages
- Transport services
- Restaurants and entertainment
- Souvenir and local product sales
- Employment creation in tourism-related sectors
She urged local communities and entrepreneurs to begin planning now to take full advantage of the event.
Mto wa Mbu Reserve Asked to Improve Visitor Experience
During the tour, Dr. Kijaji also instructed the management of the Mto wa Mbu Game Controlled Area to improve infrastructure and services in order to attract more tourists and provide better visitor experiences.
She stressed the need for the reserve to align with international market expectations through:
- Improved roads and access routes
- Better accommodation options
- Enhanced tourism activities
- Modern visitor facilities
- Stronger destination marketing
The reserve has strong potential to benefit from tourists traveling between Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Tanzania Preparing to Showcase Itself to the World
AFCON 2027 will be one of the biggest sporting events ever hosted in East Africa and is expected to bring thousands of fans, investors, and media from around the world.
Tanzania is using the opportunity not only to host football matches but also to market its tourism attractions, improve infrastructure, and stimulate economic growth.
With destinations such as Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar ready to welcome visitors, the country stands to gain significantly from the tournament.
The government’s message is clear: preparation starts now.
Photo by : Habari Leo
