WTA awards Tanzania Africa’s top destination title as TTB retains Africa’s award as top Tourist Board for the 5th year
DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA a has been crowned Africa’s Leading Destination 2026, while the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) has retained the continent’s Leading Tourist Board award for the fifth consecutive year at the prestigious World Travel Awards.
The double recognition at the 33rd Annual World Travel Awards has further cemented Tanzania’s position as one of Africa’s premier tourism destinations, with the country’s safari, wildlife, beaches, mountains and cultural attractions earning top continental honours.
The awards were presented on August 28, 2026, during the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony held at Diamonds Bijoux Resort in Bwejuu, Zanzibar, bringing together leading destinations, tourism organisations and hospitality brands from across Africa.
TTB was named Africa’s Leading Tourist Board 2026, extending its winning streak after securing the same award in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Receiving the TTB award, Acting Director General Dr Thereza Mugobi said the recognition would motivate the board to intensify international promotion of Tanzania’s tourism attractions and support further development of the sector.
“We will continue to use this award as a catalyst to increase our efforts in promoting our tourism attractions and further developing the tourism sector in Tanzania,” she said.
The latest recognition comes as Tanzania continues to promote its tourism offering under the “Tanzania Unforgettable” brand, highlighting the country’s diverse attractions and experiences.
Additionally, during the ceremony, several of Tanzania’s iconic protected areas also emerged among the continent’s top tourism attractions.
The Serengeti National Park was named Africa’s Leading National Park 2026 and Africa’s Leading Big 5 National Park 2026, while Kilimanjaro National Park won Africa’s Leading Mountain National Park 2026.
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Nyerere National Park was named Africa’s Leading Scenic National Park, while Tarangire National Park received the award for Africa’s Leading Elephant Paradise National Park.
Selous Game Reserve was named Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2026, while Mpanga Kipengere Game Reserve won Africa’s Leading Honeymoon Destination 2026.
Zanzibar further strengthened Tanzania’s tourism profile after being named Africa’s Leading Beach Destination 2026, with the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism winning Africa’s Leading Regional Tourist Board award.
Other Tanzanian tourism facilities and operators also secured major continental awards, including Greystoke Mahale as Africa’s Leading Safari Lodge, Chem Chem Lodge as Africa’s Leading Luxury Safari Lodge and Singita Serengeti House as Africa’s Leading Luxury Safari Villa.
Siringit Serengeti Camp won Africa’s Leading Luxury Tented Safari Camp, while Kaskaz Mara Camp was named Africa’s Leading Tented Safari Camp.
Zara Tanzania Adventures was recognised as Africa’s Leading Adventure Tour Operator, while Miracle Experience Balloon Safaris Tanzania won Africa’s Leading Balloon Ride Operator award.
In tourism infrastructure, Julius Nyerere International Airport was named Africa’s Leading Airport 2026, highlighting its growing role as an international gateway to the country.
The awards highlight Tanzania’s diverse tourism portfolio, which enables visitors to combine wildlife safaris, mountain adventures, cultural experiences and Indian Ocean beach holidays within one destination.
The Great Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, elephant herds in Tarangire, the wilderness of Nyerere and Ruaha national parks, as well as the beaches of Zanzibar and Mafia Island, remain among the country’s major tourism attractions.
