Tanzania’s national parks have strengthened their standing in the global tourism market after the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) won six awards at the 2026 World Travel Awards (WTA).
The awards, announced on Friday, August 28, during the WTA Africa Gala Ceremony held at Diamond Bijoux Hotel in Bwejuu, Zanzibar, recognised six national parks for their distinctive tourism and conservation offerings.
The recognition comes as Tanzania seeks to increase the contribution of tourism to the economy by expanding its international market reach, improving tourism infrastructure and strengthening conservation of its natural resources.
Among the winners was Serengeti National Park, which received two awards—Africa’s Leading National Park 2026 and Africa’s Leading Big Five National Park 2026.
Tarangire National Park was named Africa’s Leading Elephant Paradise National Park 2026, while Nyerere National Park won Africa’s Leading Scenic National Park 2026.
Ruaha National Park was recognised as Africa’s Leading Cultural National Park 2026, while Kilimanjaro National Park won Africa’s Leading Mountain National Park 2026.
Speaking at the ceremony, World Travel Awards founder and president Graham Cooke said Tanzania had continued to record growth in the tourism sector, with Zanzibar’s beaches and the country’s national parks remaining major attractions for international visitors.
He said the sector’s contribution extended beyond tourism businesses, benefiting individuals and the wider economy.
“Tanzania is among the African countries growing very rapidly in the tourism sector and continues to record increasing numbers of tourists visiting Zanzibar’s beaches and its national parks,” Mr Cooke said.
He added that tourism revenues contributed to economic activity and supported livelihoods across the country.
Receiving the awards, TANAPA Conservation Commissioner Massana Mwishawa said the recognition demonstrated the importance of conservation in sustaining Tanzania’s tourism industry.
He said increased tourist arrivals and investment in national parks could translate into greater revenues to support infrastructure and services in and around conservation areas.
“Through these awards, Tanzania’s national parks continue to attract more tourists and investors, contributing to increased revenues that support the development of infrastructure, including roads, clean and safe water and health services,” Mr Mwishawa said.
He also linked the achievement to efforts to improve tourism infrastructure and promote Tanzania’s attractions internationally.
Mr Mwishawa cited President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s initiatives to market Tanzania’s tourism potential, including the Tanzania: The Royal Tour and Amazing Tanzania films, as well as the use of economic diplomacy to attract investment.
The six awards give TANAPA an opportunity to further position Tanzania’s national parks in international tourism markets, particularly as destinations compete for visitors seeking wildlife, mountain, cultural and scenic experiences.
For Tanzania, the recognition also highlights the economic importance of maintaining effective conservation systems.
The country’s tourism industry relies heavily on the quality and protection of its natural attractions, making sustainable management critical to maintaining visitor interest over the long term.
The World Travel Awards are an international tourism recognition programme covering various segments of the travel and tourism industry. Winners are selected through a voting process involving tourism professionals and consumers.
TANAPA’s six awards add to Tanzania’s growing recognition on international tourism platforms and provide further visibility for the country’s national parks as it seeks to expand its tourism market and strengthen the sector’s contribution to the economy.