Description:

Recognizes top tour operators in Northern Tanzania (Serengeti NP, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire NP, Lake Manyara and Arusha NP.). Operators should demonstrate exceptional customer service, quality itineraries, safety standards, environmental responsibility, and contribution to tourism growth.

Criteria:

• Compliance (Legal & Regulatory Adherence)
• Number of tourists handled (Jan - Oct 2025)
• Range of tourism services (diversity of packages)
• Reputation and recognition in sector (awards, certifications)
• Innovation in products & services
• Community impact (employment, CSR)
• Employee welfare and professional development
• Responsible Tourism
• Marketing and promotion of Northern circuit
• Operation in Northern Zone

Scoring / Weigh:

40% public votes and 60% expert panel

Description:

Recognizes top tour operators in Southern Circuit Nyerere NP, Mikumi NP, Ruaha NP, Lake Nyasa, Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani & Songo Mnara, Mafia Island.

Criteria:

• Compliance (Legal & Regulatory Adherence)
• Number of tourists handled (Jan - Oct  2025)
• Range of tourism services (diversity of packages)
• Reputation and recognition in sector (awards, certifications)
• Innovation in products & services
• Community impact (employment, CSR)
• Employee welfare and professional development
• Responsible Tourism
• Marketing and promotion of Southern circuit
• Operation in Southern Zone

Scoring / Weigh:

40% public votes and 60% expert panel

Description:

Recognizes top tour operators in Western Gombe NP, Mahale NP, Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria.

Criteria:

• Compliance (Legal & Regulatory Adherence)
• Number of tourists handled (Jan - Oct 2025)
• Range of tourism services (diversity of packages)
• Reputation and recognition in sector (awards, certifications)
• Innovation in products & services
• Community impact (employment, CSR)
• Employee welfare and professional development
• Responsible Tourism
• Marketing and promotion of Western circuit

Scoring / Weigh:

40% public votes and 60% expert panel

Description:

Recognizes top tour Operators Dar es Salaam City, Saadani NP and Pangani Beaches.

Criteria:

• Compliance (Legal & Regulatory Adherence)
• Number of tourists handled (Jan - Oct 2025)
• Range of tourism services (diversity of packages)
• Reputation and recognition in sector (awards, certifications)
• Innovation in products & services
• Employee welfare and professional development
• Community impact (employment, CSR)
• Responsible Tourism
• Marketing and promotion of Eastern circuit.
• Operation in Eastern Zone

Scoring / Weigh:

40% public votes and 60% expert panel

Description:

Recognizes operators actively promoting domestic tourism by designing affordable packages, creating awareness, and increasing citizen participation in tourism.

Criteria:

• Compliance (Legal & Regulatory Adherence)
• Number of domestic tourists handled(Jan - Oct 2025)
• Range of tourism services (diversity of packages)
• Reputation and recognition in sector (awards, certifications)
• Innovation in products & services
• Employee welfare and professional development
• Community impact (employment, CSR)
• Responsible Tourism
• Marketing and promotion of Domestic tourism
• Operation among all circuits

Scoring / Weigh:

40% public votes and 60% expert panel

Description:

This category recognizes tour operators who excel in organizing and facilitating mountain climbing and trekking adventures in Tanzania.

Criteria:

• Compliance (Legal & Regulatory Adherence)
• Number of tourists handled (Jan - Oct  2025)
• Reputation and recognition in sector (awards, certifications)
• Innovation in products & services
• Employee and porter welfare and professional development
• Community impact (employment, CSR)
• Responsible Tourism

Scoring / Weigh:

40% public votes and 60% expert panel

Description:

Recognizes trophy hunting operators practicing sustainable and ethical hunting.

Criteria:

• Compliance (Legal & Regulatory Adherence)
• Number of tourist handled for the FY 2024/2025
• Number of hunting Blocks
• CSR activities
• Range of Service/activities
• Frequency of visitors Complaints

Scoring / Weigh:

40% public votes and 60% expert panel

Description:

Recognizes balloon safari operators offering safe, innovative, and memorable aerial experiences over Tanzania’s landscapes and wildlife areas.

Criteria:

• Compliance (Legal & Regulatory Adherence)
• Number of tourists handled (Jan - Oct 2025)
• Range of Service/activities
• Operational frequency and coverage
• of balloon operating

Scoring / Weigh:

40% public votes and 60% expert panel

Description:

Recognizes an operator that demonstrates outstanding commitment to environmental protection, sustainable practices, community empowerment, and visitor education — while delivering authentic nature-based experiences that align with the green tourism vision.

Criteria:

• Compliance (Legal & Regulatory Adherence)
• Number of tourist handled (Jan - Oct 2025)
• Range of Service/activities
• Number of destination operating;
• Operators focused on environmental conservation.
• Use of renewable energy

Scoring / Weigh:

100% expert panel

Description:

Recognizes operators promoting beekeeping as a tourism activity, linking biodiversity conservation with livelihood opportunities.

Criteria:

• Compliance (Legal & Regulatory Adherence)
• Product quality & innovation
• Conservation of biodiversity
• Community contribution
• Sustainability practices
• Visitor experiences created

Scoring / Weigh:

100% expert panel

Description:

Recognizes WMAs that balance conservation with community livelihoods, ensuring benefits from tourism flows back to locals.

Criteria:

• Conservation contribution
• Community benefit-sharing
• Compliance (Legal & Regulatory Adherence)
• Sustainability & innovation

Scoring / Weigh:

100% expert panel

Description:

Recognizes aviation service providers for tourism transport, demonstrating safety, reliability, coverage, and contribution to tourism accessibility.

Criteria:

• Compliance (Legal & Regulatory Adherence)
• Number of flights and destination covered
• Reliability & frequency
• Innovation in services

Scoring / Weigh:

40% public vote and 60% expert panel