Tourism in Tanzania at Risk as Election Unrest and Internet Shutdown Create Global Concern, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on October 31, 2025

Tanzania is traditionally viewed as a peaceful and beautiful country in East Africa, but following the general election results and the country’s first complete internet shutdown, protests erupted in the country.

Protests have erupted in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Dodoma as thousands respond to the preliminary results of the election which show current president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, will retain her presidency, arguing that the results are fake.

The accusations made by opposition parties relating to vote manipulation have been joined by human rights activists commenting on the possible impact of the unrest on the nation’s democracy.

The ramifications of a rapidly disillusioned and globally worried populace have been discussed by experts in relation to current government practices of military and curfew enforcement in the country to counter the protests that have been met with tear gas and live bullets.

Internet Blackout Deepens the Crisis

Adding to the tension, Tanzania experienced a near-total internet blackout on election day, cutting off mobile data, messaging platforms, and social media across the country.

The digital monitoring group NetBlocks confirmed that online connectivity dropped to less than 15% of normal levels, crippling communication for citizens, journalists, and businesses alike.

Officials have not provided an official explanation, but government sources cited “security reasons” behind the move.

Analysts warn that the blackout could severely damage public trust. “Information blackouts during elections raise suspicions of manipulation,” said a researcher from Article 19, a global digital rights organization. “They isolate citizens when transparency is needed most.”

For the travel and hospitality industry, the communication shutdown is proving equally damaging. Tourists, guides, and tour operators rely heavily on internet access for bookings, navigation, and emergency updates. With the blackout in place, many visitors are now unable to contact hotels, use online maps, or confirm safari itineraries.

Tourism Industry Feels the Shock

The timing of the unrest could not be worse for Tanzania’s tourism sector, which was on track to make a strong post-pandemic recovery.

In 2024, the country welcomed over 5.3 million international visitors, a record high for the nation known for its Serengeti safaris, Zanzibar beaches, and Mount Kilimanjaro climbs. This year, industry leaders had expected even stronger growth, supported by new flight connections and government marketing campaigns under the Tanzania Tourism Board.

But now, the wave of protests and communication disruptions has cast uncertainty over the country’s comeback. Tour operators report cancellations, delayed bookings, and anxious clients seeking reassurances about safety.

“We’ve had multiple inquiries from overseas guests who are worried about the situation,” said a tour operator in Arusha, the gateway to the northern safari circuit. “So far, wildlife areas remain calm, but travelers are nervous — and uncertainty is never good for tourism.”

Destinations Remain Open, But Perception Suffers

While most national parks and coastal resorts are still operating normally, the unrest in major cities is tainting international perceptions of Tanzania as a safe and stable destination.

Travelers increasingly rely on social media and real-time news updates to assess safety conditions. With the internet blackout, that transparency has vanished, creating confusion for tourists already in the country and discouraging new bookings.

“Even if the game parks are peaceful, visitors need to feel connected and informed,” explained a regional travel consultant. “When communication breaks down, confidence breaks down too.”

Tourism insiders stress that Tanzania’s natural beauty remains untouched, but public order and reliable communication are essential for sustaining visitor confidence.

Economic Consequences Loom

Tourism is one of Tanzania’s largest economic drivers, contributing roughly 18% of the national GDP and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs across hospitality, aviation, and small businesses.

If unrest and travel disruptions continue, the impact could ripple far beyond hotels and tour operators. Airlines might reduce routes, conferences could be postponed, and global investors may hesitate to commit to long-term tourism projects.

Neighboring countries like Kenya and Rwanda, which market themselves as politically stable destinations, could benefit as travelers reroute their plans. “The damage to perception can outlast the unrest itself,” noted a Nairobi-based economist. “It takes years to build trust, but only weeks of instability to lose it.”

For small operators in rural areas — from Zanzibar guesthouses to safari lodges near the Ngorongoro Crater — a downturn could be devastating. Many are still recovering from pandemic-era losses, relying heavily on the 2025–2026 high season for recovery.

Human Rights and International Reactions

The UN Human Rights Office expressed concern over the reported violence and the scale of the internet shutdown. A spokesperson called on Tanzanian authorities to “respect freedom of assembly and restore communication access.”

International observers are urging the government to ease tensions through dialogue rather than force, warning that prolonged unrest could jeopardize Tanzania’s standing as a democratic model in East Africa.

The East African Community (EAC) and African Union (AU) have also offered to mediate, emphasizing that political stability and economic growth must go hand in hand.

The Road Ahead: Restoring Stability and Confidence

In the short term, the Tanzania case is about the impact of closing Tanzania’s Internet connections during the recent political protests. If the government resolves the issue and opens connectivity, the political tourism Tanzania prefers will likely recover. The diversity of Tanzania’s tourism attractions, especially the natural ones, will continue to be a key factor. The country will continue to have the natural tourism attractions of the world, from the moose of the Serengeti to the Zanzibar coral reefs.

On the other hand, a continued crisis in Tanzania will service the country as a peaceful and secure investment destination and potentially collapse the progress of the Tanzanian authorities regarding confident and functional investment focus.

As one operator put it so highly, Tanzania has the serenity of the world and world-standard liberal tourism. The political blackout and the backward tourism economy will have to remain the focus for the world, especially for the global political tourists waiting for signs of Tanzanian enthusiasm and economic focus and the lockdown.