Tourism boom lifts Karatu economy

KARATU: A SURGE in tourist arrivals over the past five years has transformed Karatu District’s economy, driving rapid expansion in accommodation facilities, creating thousands of jobs and significantly boosting revenue from cultural tourism. The number of hotels, lodges and tourist camps has increased from 61 in 2021 to 104 this year, as rising visitor traffic through Karatu continues to stimulate investment in tourism facilities. The district serves as the main gateway to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park.

Karatu District Commissioner Dr Lameck Karanga told the Daily News that tourism has become a key driver of the district’s economy, spurring investment, employment and revenue growth. He said visits to cultural tourism sites showcasing the Hadzabe, Datoga and Iraqw communities rose from 20,100 in 2021 to 38,460 this year, with revenue increasing from 884.4m/- to 2.407bn/- over the same period. Dr Karanga said the district now has 104 hotels, lodges and tourist camps with a combined 2,147 rooms capable of accommodating 4,494 visitors at a time.

ALSO READ: Kijaji urges embassy to boost Tanzania tourism in Korea He added that tourism has also created more jobs, with employment in the sector rising from 980 workers in 2021 to 3,022 in 2026. Beyond tourism, Dr Karanga said Karatu continues to benefit from mining activities, with gold produced at Endagem Mine in Endabash Ward and traded through the Endabash Minerals Market. The district also produces the gemstone Amazonite, mined in Qangdend Village in Baray Ward, Eyasi Division.

On agriculture, he said food security remains stable, with food crop production reaching 105,555.90 tonnes during the 2025/26 farming season against annual demand of 84,136.20 tonnes, leaving a surplus of 21,419.70 tonnes. Dr Karanga said the strong performance in tourism, mining and agriculture continues to position Karatu among the country’s leading districts, with the three sectors remaining key drivers of its economic growth and development. The post Tourism boom lifts Karatu economy appeared first on Daily News.