Tanzania and Japan have agreed to strengthen cooperation in tourism promotion, investment, and technology as the two countries seek to deepen ties. The agreement was reached on Friday, September 25, when Natural Resources and Tourism minister Ashatu Kijaji met Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner Norio Kimura on the sidelines of Tourism Expo Japan 2026 in Tokyo. This meeting aimed to enhance collaboration between the two nations in the tourism sector.
According to a statement issued by the ministry, the talks focused on developing tourism products, promoting destinations, attracting investment in tourism services, and increasing travel between the two countries. Dr. Kijaji highlighted Tanzania's diverse attractions, including wildlife, forests, and cultural heritage, which offer significant opportunities to attract more Japanese tourists if effectively promoted. She emphasized that Tanzania has a wealth of attractions that can attract many tourists from Japan.
Dr. Kijaji also expressed Tanzania's interest in learning from Japan's experience in using technology to promote tourism and build the capacity of professionals in the sector. She stated that Tanzania is ready to gain experience from Japan on the best ways to use technology to promote tourism. The two countries can exchange expertise and strengthen the skills of tourism professionals, ultimately enhancing the tourism industry in Tanzania.
The discussions resulted in an agreement to pursue joint tourism promotion strategies between the Japan Tourism Agency and the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB). The ministry stated that this cooperation could create opportunities for Tanzania to expand its tourism market while attracting investment in accommodation, transport, hospitality, and other tourism-related services. This partnership is expected to boost Tanzania's tourism sector.
Dr. Kijaji also called for the greater use of international tourism exhibitions to turn global exposure into increased visitor numbers and business opportunities. She visited Tanzania's stand at the Tokyo exhibition, where tourism institutions and private-sector stakeholders were showcasing the country's attractions. She urged exhibitors to improve the way Tanzania's tourism products are presented to international audiences.
Dr. Kijaji emphasized that effective participation in international exhibitions should ultimately contribute to attracting more visitors to Tanzania. She encouraged exhibitors to ensure their displays reflect the quality and uniqueness of the attractions available in Tanzania. By doing so, Tanzania can effectively promote its tourism products and attract more visitors.
The initiative comes as Tanzania seeks to diversify its tourism markets and strengthen international partnerships around a sector that remains an important source of foreign exchange. The ministry did not disclose a target for additional Japanese visitors or the value of investment expected from the proposed cooperation. However, this partnership is expected to have a positive impact on Tanzania's tourism sector.
Key points
- Tanzania and Japan have agreed to strengthen cooperation in tourism promotion, investment, and technology.
- The partnership aims to attract more Japanese tourists to Tanzania and promote investment in the tourism sector.
- The two countries will exchange expertise and strengthen the skills of tourism professionals.
