Safari News | July 24, 2025 Great news for Tanzania’s tourism industry! The Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) has secured an exemption from the Bank of Tanzania, allowing safari operators to continue accepting payments in US dollars. Announced on July 8, 2025, by Deputy Governor Yamungu Kayandabila, this exemption reverses earlier restrictions under the Foreign Exchange Use Regulations, providing significant relief for tour operators and the tourism sector, which powers over 17% of Tanzania’s GDP and employs more than 1.5 million people. Recently Tanzania’s Tourism foreign exchange earnings surpassed Gold export. Background on the Currency Regulations In early 2025, Tanzania introduced the Foreign Exchange Use Regulations to promote the Tanzanian shilling and limit foreign currency transactions. While aimed at stabilizing the economy, these rules created challenges for the tourism industry, a vital economic driver. International tourists often prefer paying in US dollars, and restrictions complicated transactions and operational expenses like park entry fees and accommodations for safari operators. The new exemption addresses these hurdles, ensuring the industry remains competitive. Why Tour Operators Prefer US Dollars? Many safari services in Tanzania, such as park fees, accommodations, and international transportation, are priced and invoiced in US dollars. For example, entrance fees to iconic destinations like Serengeti National Park or Ngorongoro Crater are set in dollars by the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), as are many high-end lodges and camps catering to international visitors. Tour operators prefer charging in US dollars because it aligns with these costs, avoiding exchange rate fluctuations that could erode profits when converting Tanzanian shillings. Additionally, the US dollar is widely accepted and trusted by global travelers, simplifying payments and enhancing convenience for clients booking from abroad. Benefits of Charging in US Dollars by Tanzania Tour Operators Charging in US dollars allows Tanzania tour operators to maintain financial
Safari News | July 24, 2025 Great news for Tanzania’s tourism industry! The Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) has secured an exemption from the Bank of Tanzania, allowing safari operators to continue accepting payments in US dollars. Announced on July 8, 2025, by Deputy Governor Yamungu Kayandabila, this exemption reverses earlier restrictions under the Foreign Exchange Use Regulations, providing significant relief for tour operators and the tourism sector, which powers over 17% of Tanzania’s GDP and employs more than 1.5 million people. Recently Tanzania’s Tourism foreign exchange earnings surpassed Gold export. Background on the Currency Regulations In early 2025,
