Durban has once again cemented its place as Africa’s leading destination for meetings and conferences. At the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA) Africa Gala Ceremony 2024, the city was honoured as Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination. This accolade reinforces Durban’s status as a premier business hub on the continent. The Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) also added to the city’s triumph by winning the title of Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre 2024.
Held at Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort in Diani Beach, Kenya, the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony is an event that celebrates excellence and innovation in the travel and tourism industry. The event highlighted key players and destinations that have excelled in various categories across the African continent.
Cape Town’s Port Among Top Cruise Ports
In addition to Durban’s victories, the Port of Cape Town received recognition as Africa’s Leading Cruise Port. This award emphasises the city’s growing significance in the global cruise industry, offering travellers an unparalleled gateway to Southern Africa.
Tanzania Takes Centre Stage
Tanzania emerged as one of the biggest winners of the evening, securing multiple prestigious awards. The country was named Africa’s Leading Destination and its tourism board, the Tanzania Tourist Board, took home the title of Africa’s Leading Tourist Board. Tanzania’s natural beauty was also celebrated, with Serengeti National Park winning Africa’s Leading National Park, and the renowned Mount Kilimanjaro taking the title of Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction.
Kenya’s Luxury Lodges and Beaches Recognised
Kenya’s Angama Amboseli, a luxurious tented lodge set within the Kimana Sanctuary, was named Africa’s Leading New Hotel. The St. Regis La Bahia Blanca Resort in Tamuda Bay, Morocco, was awarded Africa’s Leading New Resort, and Diani Beach in Kenya earned the title of Africa’s Leading Beach Destination.
In the business travel sector, Nairobi stood out as Africa’s Leading Business Travel Destination, while the Somerset Westview in the Kenyan capital was recognised as Africa’s Leading Serviced Apartments. The Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club also claimed the title of Africa’s Leading Hotel, further highlighting Kenya’s prowess in the hospitality sector.
Kenya Airways Dominates in Airline Categories
Kenya Airways was a major highlight of the evening, taking home multiple awards, including Africa’s Leading Airline, Africa’s Leading Airline – Business Class, and Africa’s Leading Airline Brand 2024. Ethiopia’s national carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, claimed the award for Africa’s Leading Airline – Economy Class, while Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport won the title of Africa’s Leading Airport 2024.
A Night of Celebration for African Tourism
Graham Cooke, Founder of the World Travel Awards, expressed his delight at the success of the evening, stating, “It has been a privilege to welcome our winners from every corner of Africa to celebrate in Kenya’s beautiful Diani Beach. Our winners represent stellar examples of tourism excellence, and I congratulate each and every one for helping raise the collective benchmark of Africa’s thriving tourism economy to even greater heights.”
The event highlighted the growing prominence of Africa’s tourism and business sectors, with each award serving as recognition of the continent’s innovation, excellence, and potential on the global stage.
Comments