TANZANIA ONCE AGAIN WINS GLOBAL PREMIER SAFARI DESTINATION 2024

Permanent Secretary - Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr. Hassan Abbasi (second right), receives an award from World Travel Awards President, Graham Cooke, recognising Tanzania as the world's leading Safari destination for 2024. The ceremony took place over the weekend in Madeira, Portugal.

Tanzania has once again claimed its crown as the World’s Leading Travel Destination, solidifying its position as a global tourism powerhouse.

This prestigious accolade, awarded by the World Travel Awards, marks the second consecutive year that Tanzania has earned this recognition.

A key factor contributing to this achievement is the visionary leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her strategic initiatives, including the highly acclaimed “Royal Tour” film, that have significantly elevated Tanzania’s global profile.

The film, produced in collaboration with renowned filmmaker Peter Greenberg, offers a captivating glimpse into the country’s diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, spectacular wildlife and warm hospitality.

The “Royal Tour” has not only captivated audiences worldwide but has also had a tangible impact on Tanzania’s tourism industry. By showcasing the country’s stunning natural wonders, such as the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Mount Kilimanjaro, the film has inspired countless travellers to explore Tanzania’s breathtaking destinations.

Tanzania has once more been crowned the World’s Leading Travel Destination, second year in a row, thanks to among others, President Samia Suluhu Hassan's painstaking efforts to promote the country as the best tourism destination.

President Samia’s masterstroke "Royal Tour" Film documentary has massively paid off and promoted destination Tanzania. No wonder, the country grabbed the prestigious award by the World Travel Awards, marking a significant achievement in the nation’s tourism industry.

The recognition was announced during the grand finale event held in Funchal, the capital of Portugal’s Autonomous Region of Madeira, solidifying Tanzania’s position as a top global travel contender. This prestigious award underscores the country’s growing popularity among international travellers.

The World Travel Awards’ grand finale also named Thanda Island in Mafia District, Coast Region, on the Indian Ocean as the World’s Leading Exclusive Private Island, with the property also winning the crown for the second year.

This recognition highlights the exceptional luxury and exclusivity offered by Thanda Island. At the core of this achievement is the unwavering commitment of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, whose strategic initiatives have reshaped Tanzania’s tourism industry.

Central to these efforts are the acclaimed films The Royal Tour and Amazing Tanzania, produced in collaboration with renowned filmmaker Peter Greenberg.

Targeting the American market, these films have brilliantly showcased Tanzania’s diverse cultural and wildlife heritage, as well as its vast investment opportunities, all narrated through the engaging perspective of President Samia herself.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) expressed its gratitude yesterday, commending the president for her visionary leadership and steadfast dedication to promoting the nation’s tourism potential.

These films have spotlighted Tanzania’s iconic destinations, including the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar and the Ngorongoro Crater, while also celebrating the warmth and hospitality of the Tanzanian people—qualities that continue to captivate global travellers.

Launched in New York on April 18, 2022, The "Royal Tour" effectively captured the attention of American audiences, emphasising a personal and informal portrayal of Dr Samia that is rarely seen in tourism programming.

This unique approach offers viewers a comprehensive, 360-degree view of Tanzania’s vast tourism potential, setting it apart from traditional travel documentaries.

The launch of The "Royal Tour" coincided with a critical moment of recovery for global tourism, following the severe impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Nearly three years since the film’s debut in the US, Tanzania’s tourism industry has witnessed an extraordinary resurgence.

According to fresh data from the Bank of Tanzania (BoT), as of August this year, the country welcomed over two million international tourists, generating an unprecedented 3.5 billion US dollars in revenue.

This economic boon has significantly contributed to Tanzania’s GDP, with tourism now accounting for 17.2 per cent of the national GDP and 29 per of Zanzibar’s GDP.

The resurgence reflects both the intrinsic allure of Tanzania’s natural and cultural assets and the efficacy of President Samia’s forward thinking promotional strategies.

For many, President Samia’s committed initiatives have not only led Tanzania to be recognised as a leader in global tourism but also have rejuvenated its economy postpandemic.

Her leadership exemplifies how strategic vision, when coupled with cultural pride and an openness to innovation, can drive national success in the global arena.

“As Tanzania continues to capitalise on its newfound acclaim, the continued collaboration between government, private sector stakeholders and local communities will be vital to sustaining this momentum and ensuring lasting prosperity in the tourism industry,” said a seasoned tourism expert, Mr Sirili Akko.

In 2023, Tanzania was crowned the World’s Leading Safari Destination, reclaiming the title from Kenya, which won it in 2022.

Daily News