A capacity audience of 400 VIP guests, industry figureheads and media attended.
Winners included the Maldives winning Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination and Indian Ocean’s Leading Tourist Board, while Cape Town picked up the coveted honour of Africa’s Leading City Destination.
Kenya scooped the title of Africa’s Leading Destination, and the capital Nairobi claimed the prize for Africa’s Leading Business Travel Destination and KICC for Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre. Indian Ocean’s Leading Wedding Destination went to Mauritius, while Indian Ocean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination was won by Seychelles. Thanda took the trophy for Africa’s Leading Luxury Island.
The event marked the return of business tourism, and gave cause for celebration for Kenya Airways with a hat-trick of top aviation honours.
Kenya’s flagship carrier claimed success in categories for Africa’s Leading Airline - Business Class, Africa’s Leading Airline Brand and the ultimate prize of Africa’s Leading Airline. Ethiopian Airlines took the title of Africa’s Leading Airline – Economy Class, while Air Seychelles won Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline with Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline Brand won by Air Mauritius.
Graham Cooke, founder, WTA, said: "What a breathtaking event and what a truly memorable experience was had by our blue-chip audience. WTA had the privilege of recognising the region’s leading lights as the industry marked its triumphant return in style. As stellar examples of tourism excellence, our winners have helped to raise the bar once again."
"Nairobi is a pulsating city, rich in heritage but with a dynamic, forward-thinking business focus. And at its epicentre is the majestic KICC. I would like to put on record my heartfelt thanks to Nana Gecaga – the KICC’s superstar CEO and her fabulous team, as well as extend my gratitude to our generous event partners and supporting partners.
"I’ve been travelling the globe for the last 29 years heading up our annual Grand Tour of gala ceremonies. Tonight was amongst the very best I’ve had the privilege of leading. As the industry bounces back better and stronger, Kenya should take its place at the high table of world-class tourism destinations".
Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club claimed the hospitality award for Africa’s Leading Hotel, with Radisson Blu taking top honour for Africa’s Leading Hotel Brand. Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa, South Africa won the prize for Africa’s Leading Business Hotel with Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Nigeria taking the title Africa’s Leading Business Hotel.
The category for Indian Ocean’s Leading New Resort went to Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island; the award for Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Resort went to Andilana Beach Resort; Madagascar, Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Island Resort was awarded to Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi; and Indian Ocean’s Leading Resort was won by Vakkaru Maldives.
Travel provider winners included Flight Centre, South Africa, Africa’s Leading Travel Agency and Thompson’s Africa, South Africa’s Leading Destination Management Company. In the Indian Ocean region, top honours went to Get Into Maldives Travel Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator, Simply Maldives won Indian Ocean’s Leading Travel Agency, with Mautourco taking the honours for both Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination Management Companyand Indian Ocean’s Leading Tour Operator.
The next events on the WTA Grand Tour 2022 will take place in Amman, Jordan (Middle East) followed by Muscat, Oman (Grand Final).
View the full list of winners here.
