By Our Correspondent, Babati
Chem Chem Safaris, a conservation and
tourism organization located within the Burunge Wildlife Management Area (WMA)
in Babati, Manyara Region, has been honored with a prestigious
community-inclusive conservation and tourism award.
The award, bestowed by the African
Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA) based in the UK, recognizes exemplary
community engagement in conservation and tourism across various countries
worldwide.
Announcing Chem Chem's victory, ATTA
President Nigel Vere Nicoll stated that numerous private tourism and
conservation organizations working with communities vied for the award in eight
categories recognized by the World Tourism Organization.
"After a thorough evaluation by
judges and considering feedback from tourists who visited these areas, Chem
Chem emerged as the overall winner for its exceptional community involvement in
conservation and tourism within the Burunge WMA, benefiting the local community
significantly," said Nicoll.
Other winners announced during the
award ceremony in London hailed from the UK, Namibia, Kenya, and Botswana.
Speaking to journalists, Chem Chem’s General Manager, Clever Zullu, attributed their win to the concerted efforts of the government and various stakeholders in promoting tourism and conservation in Tanzania.
"We are deeply grateful for this
award, which holds immense significance for our tourism and conservation
efforts that heavily involve the local community," said Zullu.
He added that the victory also
reflects the positive impact of President Samia Suluhu’s initiatives to open up
the country to tourism, attracting thousands of tourists worldwide.
"Chem Chem will continue
collaborating with the government, tourism and conservation bodies such as
TANAPA, TAWA, TAWIRI, and Burunge WMA to advance tourism and conservation in
this region for the benefit of current and future generations," Zullu
affirmed.
Elizabeth Omboi, Chem Chem Hotel
Manager, and Peter Corneli, Head of Hospitality Services, highlighted the
award’s importance, noting that it would attract more tourists.
"We have been engaging the
community in our tourism activities, providing support in education, health,
environmental conservation, and empowering women's groups in
entrepreneurship," said Omboi.
Corneli added that among the
attractions for tourists visiting their hotels is the opportunity to enjoy
well-prepared traditional Tanzanian cuisine and guided walking tours in
wildlife areas, including visits to Lake Manyara to witness stunning sunsets and
sunrises.
Benson Mwaise, Secretary-General of
Burunge WMA, remarked that Chem Chem’s victory is a triumph for Burunge WMA, as
Chem Chem is one of the key investors in the area.
"We are elated by this
recognition. The world acknowledges our conservation efforts and community
involvement in tourism and conservation, which is a significant
achievement," said Mwaise.
Other Tanzanian recipients of the award include Chumbe Island in Zanzibar, Asilia Africa, and Lemala Camps and Lodges. Additional winners are African Monarch Lodges from Namibia, How Many Elephants from the UK, Gamewatchers Safari & Porini Camp from Kenya, and Let's Go Travel Uniglobe from Kenya.
The award for Chem Chem as the overall
winner is expected to be presented in Tanzania soon, with the government and
tourism sector stakeholders in attendance to celebrate this milestone.