From the right, Moshi Kabengwe, the TRA Director of Human Resource Management and Administration, proudly presented a Certificate of Merit to Mr. Bernard Vyamgoye, the General Manager of Serengeti Balloon Safaris, during a formal ceremony. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has recently honored Serengeti Balloon Safaris with a Certificate of Merit for its exceptional tax compliance during the 2023/24 financial year.
This recognition, awarded at the annual Taxpayers Appreciation Day in Arusha over the weekend, is a significant achievement for the company and an acknowledgment of its dedication to upholding its fiscal responsibilities.
It’s a moment that not only rewards the company's diligence but also highlights the broader trend of increasing awareness and adherence to tax regulations in Tanzania’s growing tourism sector.
For Serengeti Balloon Safaris, receiving this prestigious award carries more weight than just a simple recognition of compliance.
It symbolizes the company’s commitment to corporate responsibility, especially in a sector as impactful as tourism. General Manager Mr. Bernard Vyamgoye, who accepted the award on behalf of the company, articulated this sentiment with pride.
“Receiving this certificate from the Tanzania Revenue Authority fills us with pride and validates our dedication to integrity and transparency in all facets of our operations, especially regarding tax responsibilities,” he said.
The gesture by TRA underscores the importance of responsible tourism in the Tanzanian context, where economic growth and sustainability go hand in hand.
Serengeti Balloon Safaris is one of the key players in the tourism industry that doesn’t just focus on offering breathtaking safari experiences but also contributes to the economic framework of the country by fulfilling its tax obligations.
"Responsible tourism, to us, is about more than providing remarkable experiences to our guests," Mr. Vyamgoye continued. "It’s about making a tangible impact on Tanzania’s economic progress and supporting vital public services and infrastructure."
This philosophy of responsibility goes beyond the boardrooms of Serengeti Balloon Safaris. It extends to the company's internal culture, where the finance team and staff play an instrumental role in ensuring that every tax obligation is met with precision.
Mr. Vyamgoye extended his gratitude to the team for their unwavering commitment to high standards and ethical practices, acknowledging that their efforts made this recognition possible.
"This accolade motivates us to maintain high compliance standards and set examples of responsible business practices within the tourism industry," he added.
Serengeti Balloon Safaris has long been a leader in providing unforgettable aerial views of the Serengeti, offering guests a front-row seat to the park's breathtaking landscapes and vibrant wildlife.
For over thirty years, the company has balanced its luxury safari offerings with a commitment to environmental conservation and community development.
As the Marketing Manager, Mr. Pascal Kirigiti, pointed out, "Our commitment to responsible tourism is at the core of what we do, ensuring that every experience we provide contributes positively to the Serengeti’s preservation and the surrounding communities."
This award from TRA is a reflection of the growing trend in Tanzania’s tourism sector, where businesses are recognizing that ethical business practices, including tax compliance, are vital for long-term success.
It also enhances Serengeti Balloon Safaris’ status as a company that not only provides world-class experiences but also acts as a responsible corporate citizen contributing to the country’s development.
This sentiment has been echoed by the company’s Managing Director, Mr. John Corse, who also highlighted the company’s landmark achievement in 2024 when it was named the world’s best balloon services provider.
This recognition, announced at the World Travel Awards’ grand finale in Funchal, Portugal, marked a significant milestone for Serengeti Balloon Safaris and put Tanzania on the global tourism map.
The recognition at the World Travel Awards underscored not just the company’s exceptional service but also Tanzania’s growing stature as a prime global tourism destination.
"For the first time, Serengeti Balloon Safaris from Tanzania has been recognized as the world's leading balloon services provider. Congratulations on your exemplary service," declared the awards organizers.
This achievement, paired with the TRA recognition, signals a momentous shift in Tanzania’s tourism sector—a growing understanding that the success of businesses like Serengeti Balloon Safaris relies not only on spectacular experiences but also on their ability to contribute responsibly to the nation's economic health.
In this context, the accolades bestowed upon Serengeti Balloon Safaris serve as a reminder that responsible business practices are essential in today's competitive market.
It also strengthens the narrative that Tanzania’s tourism industry is not just about showcasing the natural wonders of the Serengeti but is intertwined with the nation’s broader socioeconomic progress.
Through their dedication to tax compliance and their commitment to responsible tourism, Serengeti Balloon Safaris exemplifies the kind of forward-thinking leadership that will help propel Tanzania’s tourism sector to even greater heights.