African nations shone brightly at the 2025 World Travel Awards (WTA) Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony, which took place on June 28 at the Johari Rotana Hotel in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The event marked the beginning of the 2025 WTA regional series, bringing together leaders in tourism and hospitality from across the continent to recognize exceptional achievements in travel, destination development, and service innovation. More than 80 award categories were presented, highlighting the industry’s commitment to excellence and innovation.
Countries such as Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, and Mozambique were standout winners at the ceremony, showcasing Africa’s increasing influence in the global tourism sector. Awards were presented to national parks, beach resorts, airlines, and private island retreats, underscoring the continent’s dedication to delivering exceptional experiences to travelers.
Among the notable awards and their recipients were:
– 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 Beach Destination 2025: Tanzania (Zanzibar)
– 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)
In addition to these awards, other categories recognized organizations and initiatives for their positive contributions to the industry:
– Nature Positive Category: Emboo Safari Camp (Kenya)
– Shared Value Category: South Africa’s !Khwa ttu and Dlala Nje
– Climate Change Category: Green Safaris (Zambia)
– All-Inclusive Category: Foxes Safari Camps (Tanzania)
Winners from each continent will advance to the WTA Grand Final on December 9, 2025, in Bahrain, where they will compete in global categories such as World’s Leading Destination and World’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Initiative. The final ceremony is anticipated to draw travel leaders, media, and investors from around the world.
Overall, the 2025 WTA Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony celebrated the best in African tourism and hospitality, highlighting the continent’s diverse offerings and commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences.
