The spotlight shone brightly on African nations during the prestigious 2025 World Travel Awards (WTA) Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony, which took place on June 28 at the exquisite Johari Rotana Hotel in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The event served not merely as a ceremony but as a gathering point for leaders in tourism and hospitality from across the continent, all coming together to celebrate remarkable achievements in travel, destination development, and service innovation.
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This year, a staggering 80 award categories were presented, showcasing the extensive diversity and richness of the tourism sector across Africa. It was truly inspiring to see countries like Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, and Mozambique stand out among the competition, reaffirming Africa’s growing stature in the global tourism landscape. The sense of pride and achievement in the air was palpable, as these nations showcased their unique offerings, from lush national parks and luxurious beach resorts to airlines and private island retreats.
A glimpse at the winners’ list reveals a profound commitment to excellence and innovation that defines the African tourism industry. Have you ever thought about what truly makes a destination memorable? It’s not just picturesque landscapes or comfortable accommodations. It’s the spirit of hospitality, the deep cultural connections, and the dedication to sustainability that guests often remember long after their visit. In this aspect, African nations are truly leading the way.
Here’s a look at some of the most notable awards and their recipients:
| Award | Country | Location/Brand |
|---|---|---|
| Africa’s Leading Destination 2025 | Tanzania | Zanzibar |
| Africa’s Leading Most Romantic Resort 2025 | Mozambique | Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort |
| Africa’s Leading Water Park 2025 | South Africa | Valley of Waves |
| Africa’s Leading Airline 2025 | Kenya | Kenya Airways |
| Africa’s Leading National Park 2025 | Tanzania | Serengeti National Park |
| Africa’s Leading Mountain National Park 2025 | Tanzania | Mount Kilimanjaro |
| Africa’s Leading Beach Destination 2025 | Tanzania | Zanzibar |
| Africa’s Leading Cruise Port 2025 | South Africa | Cape Town |
| Africa’s Leading Resort 2025 | Tanzania | Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort |
| Africa’s Leading Hotel 2025 | Tanzania | Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari |
| Africa’s Leading Airport 2025 | Tanzania | Julius Nyerere International Airport |
| Africa’s Leading Private Island Resort 2025 | Kenya | Chale Island, Kenya |
| Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre 2025 | South Africa | Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) |
| Africa’s Leading Honeymoon Destination 2025 | Tanzania | Kitulo National Park |
| Africa’s Leading Safari Company 2025 | Kenya | Safari.com |
Other noteworthy categories included:
Nature Positive Category: Emboo Safari Camp in Kenya received Gold for its impressive carbon-neutral operations and strong community engagement efforts.
Shared Value Category: South Africa’s !Khwa ttu and Dlala Nje were recognized for their remarkable initiatives that link tourism with heritage preservation and urban youth empowerment, showcasing how tourism can drive social change.
Climate Change Category: Green Safaris from Zambia was awarded for its trailblazing approach to eco-tourism and electric game drives, proving that luxury and sustainability can indeed go hand in hand.
All-Inclusive Category: Foxes Safari Camps in Tanzania was lauded for its ethical tourism model that actively involves local communities.
The Road to the Grand Final
Looking ahead, winners from this regional gala will progress to the grand finale of the WTA, set for December 9, 2025, in Bahrain. This will be an extraordinary occasion where Africa will compete against global counterparts in prestigious categories such as World’s Leading Destination and World’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Initiative. The excitement is already building, as this final ceremony is expected to draw travel leaders, eager media, and passionate investors from all corners of the globe.
As the world emerges from the challenges of recent years and travel begins to flourish once more, it’s moments like these that remind us of the indomitable spirit of the tourism industry. Are we prepared to leverage this momentum to cultivate even more unique experiences, authentic connections, and sustainable practices? The answers may very well shape the future of travel.
As the event concluded, one couldn’t help but feel inspired. Africa’s offerings are not just destinations; they embody stories, cultures, and innovations that weave together the rich tapestry of this vibrant continent.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.
