Tanzania is preparing to take centre stage on the international tourism calendar after being officially announced as the host destination for the 2026 World Travel Awards Grand Final, which will take place on December 12th at the stunning The Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, a premier 5-star luxury property nestled deep within the Central Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.
The announcement was unveiled at the Tanzania Tourism stand at World Travel Market (WTM) in London, where Tanzania’s Minister of Tourism, Dr Ashatu K. Kijaji (MP), joined Graham Cooke, Founder and CEO of World Travel Awards, to share the news with international media and representatives of the global travel and tourism industry.
The announcement marks an important moment for Tanzania, placing the East African destination firmly in the international spotlight as it prepares to welcome some of the world’s leading figures in travel, tourism and hospitality for one of the industry’s most anticipated annual celebrations.
For Tanzania, hosting the Grand Final represents an opportunity to showcase the extraordinary diversity of its tourism offering to an influential international audience. From the legendary wildlife reserves of the Serengeti and the breathtaking landscapes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar and the majestic presence of Mount Kilimanjaro, the country offers a remarkable combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage and memorable travel experiences.
The presence of Minister Dr Ashatu K. Kijaji alongside Graham Cooke at WTM underlined the importance of the announcement and the partnership between Tanzania and World Travel Awards in bringing the international tourism community together.
Founded in 1993, World Travel Awards has grown into one of the most recognised award programmes in global tourism, celebrating excellence across airlines, hotels, resorts, destinations, travel companies and tourism organisations. Its annual Grand Final brings together winners from the organisation’s regional ceremonies, recognising the very best of the industry on a global stage.
With the date now confirmed, December 12th promises to be a significant occasion for Tanzania, offering an international platform to celebrate tourism achievement while introducing the country’s outstanding attractions, hospitality and cultural experiences to an even wider audience.
As the countdown begins, the world’s travel industry will be looking towards Tanzania for a fitting finale to the 2026 World Travel Awards programme.
