‘Peace key to Tanzania image’

DAR ES SALAAM: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has said that Tanzania will continue to remain a hub of peace, warning that any attempts to undermine the country’s stability and hard-earned reputation will not succeed.

She said peace has been a key pillar in attracting tourists and promoting Tanzania’s positive image globally.

President Samia made the remarks yesterday at State House, Magogoni in Dar es Salaam, during a ceremony to honour athletes, who excelled in international competitions, including the national football team, Taifa Stars.

The event also recognised the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism for securing five international tourism awards for the country.

President Samia said Tanzania’s receipt of the five prestigious international tourism awards is a direct result of the peace and stability enjoyed in the country, which have strengthened the tourism sector and enhanced Tanzania’s image on the global stage.

Among the accolades won during the 2025 World Travel Awards is the World’s Leading Safari Destination and the Serengeti National Park being named World’s Leading National Park in the year 2025.

Tanzania also won Africa’s Leading Destination in 2025 during the World Travel Awards and Indian Ocean Gala ceremony.

In addition, Zanzibar also won Africa’s Best Corporate Retreat Destination in December 2025, and a hotel based in Tanzania also won an international award.

President Samia described the recognition of Tanzania as a leading tourism destination in Africa and worldwide as a significant achievement, asserting that the country will continue to win such awards for many years due to its strong foundation of peace.

She stressed that the awards serve as evidence of national unity, peace and Tanzania’s strong international standing, adding that any efforts to disrupt peace or damage the country’s image would fail.

ALSO READ: Protect Tanzania image, Kombo tells diaspora

“At this event, we also commend the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism for the excellent work they have done. Our colleagues from the ministry have brought us a total of five trophies,” she said.

She added, “Being recognised as the best tourism hub in Africa and the world is a great honour. Therefore, those who wanted to destroy our peace in order to damage Tanzania’s reputation will not succeed. Tanzania will continue to remain a centre of peace, and the awards we have won will continue to be won for many years ahead.”

Moreover, President Samia further revealed that she has made major strategic changes within her advisory team by appointing former Vice-President Dr Philip Mpango and former Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa as Presidential Advisors.

She said Dr Mpango will serve as her advisor on economic and development projects, while Kassim Majaliwa will advise her on social affairs.

She said that she has transferred Prof Palamagamba Kabudi from the Ministry of information, Sports and Culture and appointed him as Minister of State in the Office of the President, State House (Special Duties), to coordinate and work closely with the new advisors.

“At the State House, I need mature and well-rounded minds with extensive knowledge and experience people who can clearly articulate issues and make them understood. I assessed my entire government and concluded that Prof Kabudi would be suitable. These two great minds need a calm and composed people, who can work well with them, and Prof Kabudi fits that role. That is why I brought him to the State House to assist me with these responsibilities,” she said.