Serengeti Awards 2026 opens registration for tourism, conservation stakeholders

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism has officially announced the opening of registration for stakeholders in conservation and tourism to compete for the Serengeti Awards 2026, urging them to use the opportunity to showcase their work, innovation and achievements in wildlife conservation, natural resources management and tourism development.

The registration window will open on August 20 and close on September 30. Stakeholders are required to register and submit their applications through the official awards website, where they can also access information on the categories, criteria and participation procedures.

Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam, Director of the Tourism Department, Dr Thereza Mugobi, said the awards are being held for the second time this year as part of the Government’s efforts to recognise and appreciate the contributions of various stakeholders to the conservation of natural resources and national heritage, as well as the development of the tourism sector.

She said the awards are also intended to motivate stakeholders to continuously improve their performance and contribute to making Tanzania one of the countries competing effectively in the global tourism market.

Dr Mugobi said a total of 63 categories across seven groups are expected to be contested this year.

The groups are People’s Choice Awards, Tour Operators Awards, Tour Guides Awards, Wildlife Veterinarians Awards, Hospitality Services Awards, Conservation Awards, Tourism Education Awards, and Special Recognition Awards.

Stakeholders expected to participate include tour operators, tour guides, accommodation and food service providers, airlines, tourism institutions, media organisations, tourism writers and promoters, private companies, as well as other conservation and tourism stakeholders.

Dr Mugobi said both local and international stakeholders are eligible to compete for the awards provided they meet the stipulated criteria and requirements.

Chairman of the Serengeti Awards Technical Committee, Hatibu Madudu, said the number of categories has increased from 56 last year to 63 this year, following feedback from stakeholders and improvements made in various areas.

He said some of the changes were prompted by challenges identified during the previous process, including the number of nominees or competitors in certain categories.

According to Madudu, participants have been divided into three groups, including service providers and professionals working in the conservation and tourism sectors.

Madudu said members of the public will also play a role in selecting winners in some of the categories.

On weather conditions, Dr Mugobi said organisers will take into account the rainfall forecast issued by the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) when scheduling visits by experts and the Preparatory Committee to participants’ locations.

She said the measure is intended to ensure the safety of experts and minimise challenges that could arise from heavy rains.

However, she said rainfall will not prevent stakeholders from participating because registration and voting will be conducted online.

Dr Mugobi also said persons with disabilities and other special needs will be allowed to compete for the awards if they are involved in conservation or tourism activities and meet the criteria for the relevant category.

She said the measure is in line with the concept of sustainable and inclusive tourism, which promotes the participation of different groups in the tourism sector.

“We value sustainable tourism that considers all groups. Therefore, people with special needs are also allowed to compete for the awards if they are engaged in conservation or tourism activities and meet the criteria for the category they are contesting,” she said.

Dr Mugobi assured stakeholders that the Serengeti Awards 2026 process will be managed with transparency, fairness and integrity, with participants’ information being verified and a mechanism for handling complaints put in place.