Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has solidified its reputation as a global tourism leader by winning a record-breaking 27 out of 60 accolades at the 2025 World Travel Awards (WTA)—a milestone event hosted for the first time in the country since the award’s inception in 1993. The ceremony took place in Dar es Salaam and brought together top tourism professionals from across Africa and the Indian Ocean region.
Speaking at the event, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Hon. Dr. Pindi Chana, called the achievement a defining moment for Tanzania’s tourism sector. “This recognition reflects the country’s rising influence on the world tourism stage and affirms our efforts to position Tanzania as a premier destination,” she said.
The country’s official tourism institutions captured 11 major awards, including Africa’s Leading Tourist Destination, Africa’s Best Airport, and Africa’s Leading Tourist Board. Additionally, multiple national parks were recognized for their ecological richness and visitor experience. The private sector also performed impressively, with 16 awards going to top-rated safari operators, luxury resorts, and beach hotels—acknowledging their excellence in hospitality and service delivery.
Among the highlights:
- Tarangire National Park was named Africa’s Leading Elephant National Park.
- Ruaha National Park won the title of Africa’s Leading Natural National Park.
- Kitulo National Park took the award for Africa’s Leading Honeymoon Destination.
- Serengeti National Park (SENAPA) continued its legacy by winning Africa’s Leading National Park for the seventh year in a row.
- Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA) was crowned Africa’s Leading Mountain National Park.
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) earned the award for Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction.
- Nyerere National Park was celebrated as Africa’s Most Scenic National Park.
- Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) won the award for Africa’s Leading Airport for Tourism Activities.
- Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) retained its title as Africa’s Leading Tourist Board for the second consecutive year.
Minister Chana credited the awards to President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s strategic leadership, particularly the launch of the internationally acclaimed documentary “Tanzania: The Royal Tour”, which amplified the country’s visibility across global tourism markets. She also noted the government’s increased investment in infrastructure, budget allocations, and a supportive climate for private sector growth as key drivers behind this success.
With tourism now contributing 17.2% to the national GDP and supporting over 3.6 million jobs—both directly and indirectly—Tanzania’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive tourism is evident. The sector also accounts for 25% of the country’s foreign exchange earnings, reinforcing its importance to the national economy.
In recognition of Tanzania’s exceptional performance and its successful hosting of the 2025 event, World Travel Awards organizers announced that Tanzania will also host the 2026 edition of the prestigious ceremony—further cementing the country’s standing as a tourism hub for Africa and beyond.
