PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE DEMANDS STRONGER ACCOUNTABILITY IN TANZANIA’S TOURISM PROJECTS
Tanzania's Members of Parliament have called for stronger financial oversight and measurable results from Tourism Development Levy projects, as Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Dr. Ashatu Kijaji reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to accountability and effective investment in the tourism sector.
DODOMA, Tanzania, October 16, 2026 — Tanzania’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on Lands, Natural Resources and Tourism has called on the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism to strengthen financial oversight, accountability and efficiency in the utilisation of funds collected through the Tourism Development Levy (TDL), ensuring that investments deliver measurable results and value for money.
The directive was issued on October 16, 2026, in Dodoma, during a committee session chaired by Hon. Timotheo Mnzava, where Members of Parliament reviewed the Ministry’s report on the implementation of projects financed through the Tourism Development Levy, alongside the performance report of the National College of Tourism (NCT).
The Committee emphasised the importance of ensuring that funds allocated to tourism development projects are utilised in accordance with their intended objectives, with stronger implementation oversight to improve efficiency, accountability and the overall impact of investments in the sector.
It further stressed the need to align expenditure under the Tourism Development Levy with clearly defined development outcomes, ensuring that public resources contribute meaningfully to improving Tanzania’s tourism environment and supporting the sector’s long-term sustainability.
Minister Kijaji reaffirms commitment to accountability
Addressing the Committee, the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Hon. Dr. Ashatu Kijaji, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to implementing parliamentary directives and recommendations with diligence and professionalism.
Dr. Kijaji acknowledged the Committee’s oversight role, noting that its guidance had contributed to improving the Ministry’s performance and strengthening the implementation of various development projects across the natural resources and tourism sectors.
She assured Members of Parliament that the Ministry would continue closely supervising projects financed through the Tourism Development Levy to ensure that the levy fulfils its intended objectives and that collected revenues are effectively directed towards improving tourism infrastructure and the broader operating environment.
Government support for tourism development
Minister Kijaji also expressed appreciation to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, for approving and authorising funding to support projects aimed at improving the country's tourism sector.
She reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to maintaining close cooperation with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Lands, Natural Resources and Tourism to strengthen public financial accountability and ensure that tourism development investments deliver their intended benefits.
The parliamentary review underscores the importance of effective financial management, institutional accountability and measurable development outcomes in ensuring that public investment supports the sustainable growth and competitiveness of Tanzania’s tourism industry.