By A Special Correspondent
The Serengeti Awards for Conservation and Tourism are set to return for their second edition on December 19, 2025, in Arusha, promising to be one of the most prestigious events in Tanzania’s hospitality and tourism calendar.
Launched in 2024, the awards aim to recognise, honour, and celebrate outstanding contributions by institutions, companies, and individuals who are shaping the future of conservation and tourism in Tanzania.
Hosted in the heart of East Africa’s safari capital, the 2025 Serengeti Awards are expected to draw key stakeholders from across the region – including conservationists, hoteliers, tour operators, government representatives, and international dignitaries – all united by a shared commitment to promoting and protecting Tanzania’s unique natural and cultural heritage.
According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, the Serengeti Awards were conceived to highlight the vital intersection of environmental stewardship and tourism development, with categories spanning wildlife conservation, eco-tourism innovation, community engagement, hospitality excellence, and sustainable tourism business practices.
Last year’s inaugural event set a high standard by honouring pioneers in wildlife protection and trailblazers in eco-conscious travel. This year, organisers aim to build on that momentum by expanding categories and increasing regional participation, positioning the awards as a platform for both recognition and inspiration within the broader tourism sector.
Sectoral leaders say that the awards are not just about accolades; they are about impact. They reflect a growing realization that tourism and conservation are inseparable pillars of Tanzania’s long-term economic and environmental sustainability, they argue.
Tanzania’s tourism sector is one of the country’s leading economic engines, contributing approximately 17 percent to GDP and employing hundreds of thousands directly and indirectly.
From the iconic Serengeti plains and Ngorongoro Crater to the white sands of Zanzibar and the heights of Mount Kilimanjaro, the country’s natural assets make it a top global destination.
However, as the industry grows, so does the need for responsible stewardship. That is where the Serengeti Awards come in – spotlighting those who balance tourism growth with environmental conservation, local empowerment, and cultural preservation.
As part of its wider mission, the 2025 awards will also serve as a global platform to promote Destination Tanzania – showcasing the country not only as a bucket-list location for travelers, but also as a leader in sustainable tourism development.
With international media coverage, government backing, and support from key tourism boards and private sector players, the awards are designed to elevate Tanzania’s profile on the world stage and encourage both investment and responsible visitation.
The countdown to December 19 has begun, and anticipation is building. Nominations are now open, with organizers encouraging participation from across the tourism value chain, including small eco-lodges, conservation NGOs, safari guides, and cultural tourism enterprises. In a country where nature is a national treasure and tourism a national priority, the Serengeti Awards for Conservation and Tourism stand as a powerful symbol of recognition and a call to action – to celebrate what has been achieved, and to commit to what still lies ahead.
