The Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) officially launched the "Vote Now" campaign for Kitulo National Park, celebrated for its unique wildflower diversity, on April 3, 2025.
The campaign's goal is to encourage Tanzanians to vote for ten (10) national parks that have been nominated for various tourism awards in eight (8) categories, organized by the World Travel Awards.
During the campaign launch, Assistant Commissioner for Conservation Jully Bede Lyimo, who heads TANAPA’s Tourism Department, spoke on behalf of the Conservation Commissioner.
She urged Tanzanians to vote for the parks, stressing that winning these prestigious awards would increase global recognition.
"Winning these awards would put these ten national parks on the world stage, attracting more tourists and boosting the revenue for TANAPA and the country as a whole," said Commissioner Lyimo.
She further noted, "In 2025, thanks to the excellence of our parks, TANAPA has nominated ten parks in various categories, including Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Nyerere, Tarangire, Ruaha, Katavi, Arusha, Mahale Mountains, and Udzungwa. Kitulo National Park, known for its spectacular wildflowers, is also competing for the Best Honeymoon Destination in Africa."
Commissioner Lyimo acknowledged that these successes were made possible through the efforts of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, who has worked tirelessly to promote Tanzania globally through films like Royal Tour and The Amazing Tanzania.
She also credited the significant contributions of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, under the leadership of Minister Ambassador Dr. Pindi Chana and her Permanent Secretary, Dr. Hassan Abbas.
Harry Gazi, Assistant Commissioner for Conservation at Kitulo National Park, emphasized that the park's unique qualities, including its rare orchid species, make it deserving of being in the competition.
He pointed out that competing for the "Best Honeymoon Destination" award is especially fitting, as flowers symbolize love and romance, making Kitulo a perfect choice for couples.
The campaign launch event also featured contemporary artist Mbwana Yusuph Kilungi (known as Mbosso), who recorded his popular song TAMU in Kitulo National Park four years ago. He shared the stunning beauty of the park that captivated his audience.
“I’m thrilled to be part of this campaign,” Mbosso said. “I recorded TAMU here, and the song reached a wide audience. People were amazed by the location, some even thought it was in Europe. It’s the right place to be in this competition, and I urge all Tanzanians to vote for all ten national parks to help them win."
Voting for the national parks is already underway, and the campaign launch has officially endorsed the process. Tanzanians who have not yet voted are encouraged to do so before the voting concludes on May 4, 2025.
