Determinants of Tourist Length of Stay in Tanzania
Benedicto Kazuzuru

Abstract
This study examines factors influencing tourist length of stay in Tanzania as one of the key elements in tourism revenue generation. Globally such studies exist, but those which have applied survival analysis are very few especially in Tanzania. This study, using survival analysis on a cross-section of tourists surveyed in the years 2001, 2007 and 2008 by the Tanzania Tourism Sector Survey (TTSS) has established that trip-related characteristics of the tourists are more influential in determining tourist length of stay than their demographic characteristics and their destination attributes. More particularly tourist longer stay is associated with tourists who visit friends and relatives, those who are familiar with the destination and those familiar with English language. On the other hand tourist short stay is associated mostly with frequent visitors, visitors on business mission and visitors on leisure and recreation and those whose source of travel information is from the word of mouth. It is therefore advised that stakeholders such as hotel owners and tour operators should consider the mentioned factors in planning their activities. Further to this, efforts need to be done by the Tanzanian government and other stakeholders to diversify the country’ tourism activities to encourage longer stay by some segments of tourists such as business visitors and visitors on leisure and recreation.

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