Tourism Entrepreneurship in Tanzania: Challenges and Strategies for Growth

Abstract

The problem of unsuccessful Tourism Entrepreneurship in Tanzania has become chronic requiring an intervention. However, Tourism industry at national level is the most leading economic sector paving the ways to proliferation in Tanzania with unlimited potential to contribute to the development of the country. This is due to her unique natural and cultural tourist attractions amongst which Kilimanjaro Mountain is mostly loved by many tourists. The deliberate efforts have been mounted by both Tanzanian government and other stakeholders in the region (such as TTB, EAC, SADC, UNWTO etc.) to ensure that entrepreneurship in tourism sector is undertaken very carefully, responsibly and sustainably, without squandering its abundant natural resources and contributing to the growth of other business enterprises. Nevertheless, this study with the use of qualitative data collection and analysis techniques, has carefully noticed that the SMEs in tourism sector especially those at the grassroots’ level have been sadly lagged behind partly due to less support or totally unsupported by competent tourism stakeholders leading to ultimate failure in their ventures. Thus, the major aim of this article is to highlight the underlying socio-economic, political and technological bottlenecks limiting tourism entrepreneurship in Tanzania and to examine the possible strategies for the promotion and growth of tourism ventures.