Altezza Travel glitters at maiden Serengeti Awards

ARUSHA: ALTEZZA Travel has been crowned the Best Tour Operator in the Northern Zone at the inaugural Serengeti Awards, marking a major milestone in Tanzania’s efforts to recognise excellence and promote high standards within its fast-growing tourism industry.

The awards, introduced by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, are designed to honour industry leaders who demonstrate exceptional performance in service delivery, environmental conservation, and social responsibility.

By benchmarking local operators against global standards, the initiative aims to strengthen Tanzania’s position as a premier tourism destination while encouraging innovation and ethical business practices across the sector.

Among the night’s most prominent winners was Altezza Travel, which secured the top spot in one of the country’s most competitive tourism regions.

The significance of this category cannot be overstated: the Northern Zone is the engine of Tanzania’s tourism economy, accounting for approximately 85 per cent of all international arrivals and tourism revenue. The region is home to the Big Three of African travel — Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater.

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Securing the top position in this competitive corridor distinguishes Altezza Travel as a leader in the most impactful sector of the nation’s hospitality landscape.

When asked about the philosophy driving this sustained success, Altezza Travel Project Manager Dickson Muganda emphasized that the company’s strength lies in its workforce.

“People are at the heart of everything that we do,” Muganda stated following the ceremony. “We invest heavily in our team, and our awards and certifications are a reflection of their commitment.”

Buganda also highlighted the company’s focus on the next generation of industry professionals, noting their robust paid internship programs that frequently transition students into full-time roles.

“We are proud to see that our company is making a contribution to the evolution of Tanzania as a modern, industrial nation,” Muganda added.

The Serengeti Awards serve as the “crowning glory” of a streak of achievements for Altezza Travel.

Throughout 2025, the company set several industry benchmarks, becoming the first operator in Tanzania to achieve dual B Corp and Travelife certification.

These certifications reflect a rigorous commitment to social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

Furthermore, the company was previously recognised as the “Leading Tour Operator in Tanzania” at the World Tourism Awards and was cited as the largest taxpayer in the Kilimanjaro Region, underscoring its role as a contributor to the local economy.

The recognition of companies like Altezza Travel at the Serengeti Awards signals a shift in the Ministry’s strategy toward promoting sustainable, high-value tourism.

As the industry looks toward the remainder of 2026, the emphasis on fair wages, environmental certification, and regional leadership is expected to set a new standard for operators across the country.

Beyond the prestige of the trophy, the initiative is seen as a powerful catalyst for motivation, pushing companies to continuously refine their operations.

By fostering healthy competition, the awards are expected to drive tangible improvements in the lives of workers and their families, ensuring that the benefits of Tanzania’s tourism success are felt deeply within local communities.