An investigation of the contribution of conference tourism to the economic growth of Tanzania: a case study of Arusha

The importance of tourism as foreign exchange earner cannot be underrated. However, little is known about how conference tourism contributed to the economy of Tanzania. This study, therefore, focused on the contribution of conference tourism to the economic growth of Tanzania in general and Arusha region in particular and the main organizations were AICC and TANAPA. The methodology used to conduct the study was a review organization manuals and reports. The study used documentary review as a data collection method. Data analysis was done through various methods that involved data entry and computation through the statistical methods by comparing the income obtained through conference tourist spending. The work was facilitated with the help of computer statically packages (SPSS) through graphs and tables with percentages. Graphs and tables were used to analyze the data as little data were obtained regarding the contribution of conference tourist to the economic growth. Findings showed that there is little recognition of the government should make policy interventions in conference tourism sector. Creation of National Convention Bureau will facilitate to reveal the actual number of tourists visiting the country and their objective for visit during different periods and the amount spent in different sectors.