VICTORIA FALLS; Tanzania has reaffirmed its growing influence on the global tourism stage following high-level talks between the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ashatu Kijaji, and the Secretary-General of UN Tourism, Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais.
The strategic meeting took place on April 29, 2026, at the iconic Victoria Falls, during the Second UN Tourism Regional Conference on Women Empowerment in Tourism in Africa.
Tanzania Showcases Tourism Growth and Economic Impact
During the discussions, Minister Kijaji highlighted Tanzania’s impressive strides in tourism development, emphasizing the sector’s vital contribution to economic growth, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings. She noted that Tanzania continues to position itself as one of Africa’s leading destinations through diversified offerings—from wildlife safaris to cultural and coastal tourism.
The Minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with global institutions such as UN Tourism to unlock new opportunities, enhance destination competitiveness, and promote sustainable tourism practices.
Strengthening Strategic Cooperation with UN Tourism
Minister Kijaji congratulated Shaikha Al Nowais for making history as the first woman to lead UN Tourism, describing her appointment as a milestone for gender inclusion in global tourism leadership.
She further underscored Tanzania’s intention to deepen collaboration with the UN body, particularly in areas such as:
- Capacity building and policy development
- Sustainable tourism innovation
- Digital transformation and smart tourism technologies
In response, Shaikha Al Nowais affirmed UN Tourism’s commitment to working closely with Tanzania, pledging continued technical and strategic support to advance the country’s tourism agenda.
AFCON 2027: Tourism Meets Sports Diplomacy
A key highlight of the meeting was Tanzania’s preparation for the upcoming AFCON 2027, which will be jointly hosted in East Africa.
Minister Kijaji extended an official invitation to the UN Tourism Secretary-General to attend the prestigious tournament, positioning it as a major opportunity to:
- Showcase Tanzania to a global audience
- Boost tourist arrivals through sports tourism
- Leverage digital platforms for international promotion
She also requested technical assistance from UN Tourism, particularly in adopting modern technologies to amplify global visibility during the tournament.
Tanzania to Host World Travel Awards 2026
In another significant announcement, Minister Kijaji revealed that Tanzania will host the globally recognized World Travel Awards 2026 in December 2026.
She formally invited Shaikha Al Nowais to attend as a guest of honor, noting that the event will further elevate Tanzania’s profile as a premier tourism destination and a hub for international tourism events.
High-Level Engagement at UN Tourism Conference
Prior to the bilateral meeting, Minister Kijaji actively participated in various sessions of the regional conference, including a high-level Ministerial Dialogue on tourism development and gender inclusion.
The conference was officially opened by Auxillia Mnangagwa, who emphasized the critical role of women in driving sustainable tourism growth across Africa.
A New Chapter for Tanzania’s Global Tourism Ambition
This engagement signals Tanzania’s continued commitment to strengthening its international partnerships while leveraging global platforms to promote its unique attractions. With major events such as AFCON 2027 and the World Travel Awards on the horizon, the country is strategically positioning itself to attract more visitors and investment.
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