By The Arusha News Reporter.
Tourism remains a key sector of the economy that contributes significantly to foreign exchange earnings, government revenue and employment that requires balanced economic utilisation and environmental conservation for long-term sustainability.
Speaking at the inaugural state-organised Serengeti Awards Ceremony in Arusha last Saturday, the Prime Minister (PM), Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, said there was a need for the private sector and the government to work closely to strengthen Tanzania’s edge in the global tourism market.
“The success of our tourism industry depends on strong partnerships between the government, the private sector and local communities,” he said, calling for improved service quality, innovation and responsible investment to sustain the country’s global appeal.
Tanzania is almost unbeaten as a destination for safari tourism and exotic beaches along the coast, inland lakes and river banks.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for investments and innovation in the sector to fire up long-term growth and balanced economic benefits. He also highlighted ongoing government efforts to improve infrastructure in major tourism areas, including road networks and support services to enhance access to national parks and stimulate local economies.
Also, the PM implored stakeholders to support the national target of attracting eight million visitors by 2030, saying the goal was achievable given coordinated efforts across sectors. Tourism continued to perform strongly, with Tanzania receiving over 2.3 million international arrivals as of October 31, 2025, a great performance given the lull in activity following COVID-19.
Authorities projected further growth in 2026, with revenue expected to reach USD 5.0 billion, up from the roughly USD 4.3 billion brought in in 2025, according to official reports. As the land of the Serengeti – or endless plains – Tanzania is unmatched for wildlife globally, including the world’s largest population of lions, wildebeests and Cape Buffalos.
Emphasising conservation, the Prime Minister called on wildlife buffer zone communities and conservation areas to protect nature as he urged improved governance in wildlife management areas to ensure communities benefitted from tourism activities.
During the ceremony, Altezza Travel of Moshi was named Best Tour Operators – Northern Zone while Zara Tours of Moshi won the Mount Kilimanjaro Tour Operator Award.
Speaking after receiving the honour, Zara Tours Director, Ms Zainabu Ansell, said the award reflected the company’s commitment to professionalism and responsible tourism.
“This award motivates us to continue raising our service standards while promoting sustainable tourism that benefits local communities and protects our natural heritage,” she added. The two were among the 51 tourism related awards presented during the well-attended ceremony at the Mount Meru Hotel.
