Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Ambassador Dr Pindi Chana.
From The Arusha News Reporters in Dar es Salaam
Tanzania proudly emerged the leading tourism destination in Africa securing an impressive 27 accolades out of the 60 categories at the 2025 World Travel Awards (WTA) Africa and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony held in Dar es Salaam on June 28.
Hosting the prestigious event for the first time, Tanzania demonstrated broad appeal across nature, hospitality and infrastructure categories, outperforming strong regional contenders including Kenya, South Africa and Mauritius.
Tanzania took home Africa’s Leading Destination 2025 Award, reaffirming its status as the continent’s premier safari hotspot. The Serengeti National Park, once again stood out, towering as Africa’s Leading National Park and Africa’s Leading Big Five National Park. Tanzania is home to over 15,000 lions, more than half of the total population of the big cats found in the wild.
Mount Kilimanjaro was recognised as Africa’s Leading Mountain National Park. The permanently snow covered mountain, is not only breathtaking to scale, but a formidable feat of endurance to conquer that leaves a trekker with lasting romantic memories with nature in incomparable setting.
The Zanzibar archipelago was celebrated as Africa’s Leading Beach Destination for fantastic Sea, Sand and Sun experience. The Ngorongoro Crater, a caldera, 2000 feet towards earth’s mantle teeming with wildlife, was acknowledged as Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction. God created the world in six days and rested but he must have molded Tanzania when he was at leisure.
Diamonds Leisure Beach and Golf Resort was crowned Africa’s Leading Resort while the Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) scooped the title of Africa’s Leading Airport. The Port of Dar es Salaam was named Africa’s Leading Cruise Port and the city itself received the accolade of Africa’s Leading City Destination.
Melia Zanzibar won Africa’s Leading Green Hotel status while the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti earned the title of Africa’s Leading Safari Lodge. The recognitions reflect the breadth and width of Tanzania’s Safari tourism richness, many agree was extremely mesmerising and incomparable in the world.
Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Ambassador Dr Pindi Hazara Chana, celebrated Tanzania’s sweeping success saying: “These awards are a testament to the tireless efforts of our tourism operators and the unmatched beauty of Tanzania. We are deeply honoured to be recognised on such a global platform.”
Dr Chana, who was reappointed to the docket in August 2024, emphasised Tanzania’s dedication to sustainable development and community-led conservation efforts. Graham Cooke, Founder of the World Travel Awards, praised Tanzania’s performance noting: “Tanzania’s success is richly deserved. The country continues to inspire the travel industry with its commitment to excellence, conservation and innovation,” he said.
Ephraim Mafuru, Director General of Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB), remarked: “Hosting this gala has allowed us to spotlight our country’s hospitality, infrastructure and natural wonders. We are ready to share and welcome the world.”
The winning is expected to boost tourism flows to Arusha and surrounding regions, especially given that the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro and other major safari lodges were among the winners. Travel operators, lodges and community-based tourism initiatives in the Northern Circuit stand to benefit from increased international visibility and investment interest.
Arusha’s role as a tourism hub will likely be reinforced, as the city continues to serve as the main gateway to Tanzania’s premier wildlife destinations.
Road to the Grand Finale
Tanzania will now compete at the World Travel Awards Grand Final slated for December 9, 2025 in Bahrain, where global winners will be announced. With its strong regional showing, industry observers expect Tanzania to be a formidable contender on the world stage.
WTA was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the WTA brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.
