The Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) has hailed its double victory at the 2026 World Travel Awards as a major boost for Tanzania’s tourism industry, saying the recognition is already opening new opportunities for investment and improved access to less-explored destinations.
TAWA arrived in Morogoro on Wednesday, September 2, with two prestigious awards won by its wildlife destinations at a ceremony held in Zanzibar on August 28.
The Selous Game Reserve was named Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2026, while Mpanga-Kipengere Wildlife Management Area won Africa’s Leading Honeymoon Destination 2026.
The awards mark TAWA’s first participation in the World Travel Awards and provide fresh international recognition for Tanzania’s diverse wildlife and nature-based tourism offerings.
Speaking during a reception for the awards at TAWA headquarters in Morogoro, Acting Conservation Commissioner Mlage Y. Kabange credited President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s efforts to promote Tanzania’s tourism attractions on the international market.
Mr Kabange cited tourism promotion initiatives, including the Royal Tour documentary and Amazing Tanzania, as having contributed to raising the country’s profile globally.
He also commended TAWA employees, local communities and tourism stakeholders in Tanzania and abroad for supporting the destinations and participating in the voting process that led to the victories.
Mr Kabange described the achievement as significant, particularly because it came during TAWA’s first appearance in the awards.
“The competition was at the African level. If we compare it with football, this was like a CAF competition. We reached the African final for the first time and came away with a victory. That is not a small achievement,” he said.
The commissioner said the impact of the awards was already becoming evident, particularly through growing interest in Mpanga-Kipengere.
He said tourism stakeholders began seeking information on how to access the destination shortly after the awards were announced, while a Zanzibar-based airline had expressed interest in introducing direct flights to the area once the required infrastructure was in place.
Mr Kabange said improved connectivity and increased visibility could attract more visitors, raise tourism revenues and stimulate investment, while creating additional economic opportunities for communities surrounding the wildlife areas.
He urged domestic and foreign investors to explore opportunities in tourism infrastructure, accommodation, transport and other services within areas managed by TAWA.
He said the success of Selous and Mpanga-Kipengere had strengthened the authority’s resolve to position more of its destinations in international tourism markets.
Among the destinations identified for greater promotion are Makuyuni Wildlife Park and Pande Forest Reserve.
TAWA Deputy Conservation Commissioner Emmanuel B. Musamba said the awards represented more than a tourism accolade, describing them as international recognition of Tanzania’s natural wealth and conservation efforts.
“This is a vote of confidence in Tanzania and an international vote of confidence in the richness of the resources we have, our conservation efforts and the ability of our wildlife areas to provide unique experiences,” Mr Musamba said.
He said the achievement also honoured current and former conservation officers who had dedicated their lives to protecting Tanzania’s wildlife resources, including those who lost their lives while performing their duties.
Mr Musamba stressed that the awards should also serve as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with increased international attention.
“These two awards are not the end; they are the beginning of the journey,” he said.
He said TAWA must now strengthen wildlife protection, maintain the quality of tourism destinations and ensure that growth in tourism is balanced with sustainable conservation and benefits for surrounding communities.
The two awards were received in Morogoro amid celebrations that began at the Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete SGR station before continuing to TAWA headquarters, where government officials, TAWA officers, employees from various institutions and members of the public gathered to welcome the trophies.
TAWA’s double victory comes as Tanzania seeks to broaden its tourism offering and attract more visitors and investment by promoting a wider range of wildlife and nature-based destinations across the country.