Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is set to host the World Travel Awards (WTA) for the African continent and the Indian Ocean in 2025.
The announcement was made by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr. Hassan Abbas on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.
Dr. Abbas made the statement upon his arrival at Dar es Salaam Airport from Madeira, Portugal, where Tanzania was awarded the 2024 World’s Leading Safari Destination award.
He explained that by hosting the 2025 World Travel Awards for Africa, Tanzania’s tourism sector is positioning itself for increased global visibility.
This opportunity, he added, not only highlights the country’s world—class safari destinations but also showcases its diverse tourism offerings to attract a broader range of visitors.
“Hosting the 2025 WTA will not just be a ceremonial milestone but a key opportunity to enhance Tanzania’s standing as a global tourism destination,” Dr. Abbas emphasized.
Tanzania’s success in securing the 2024 World’s Leading Safari Destination award underscores its potential as a key player in the international tourism scene.
Dr. Abbas explained that Tanzania earned this prestigious award due to the strong collaboration among various tourism stakeholders in promoting the country’s attractions.
He also highlighted the significant contributions of the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, whose efforts in promoting the country through films such as The Royal Tour and Amazing Tanzania have greatly raised Tanzania’s international profile.
“The awards are a clear indication that visitors have great confidence in Tanzania’s tourism attractions and the hospitality they experience when visiting the country,” Dr. Abbas said, urging Tanzanians to continue maintaining their warm hospitality.
He also called on all Tanzanians to cooperate with the government in safeguarding and conserving tourism resources to ensure they continue to contribute to the national economy.
The Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) Director General, Mr. Ephraim Mafuru, emphasized that Tanzania is now focused on promoting new tourism products to expand the range of attractions available, encouraging visitors to stay longer and spend more during their visits.
The call to expand tourism offerings and encourage longer stays reflects a shift toward maximizing the economic potential of tourism.
The integration of local communities in this process, through collaborative efforts and adherence to government regulations, is central to the long-term success of Tanzania’s tourism growth strategy.
For this reason, Dr. Thereza Mugobi, the Director of the Tourism Department in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, urged all stakeholders in the country to adhere to the policies and regulations set by the government to ensure the continued growth of the tourism sector.
