2023 World Travel Awards: Africa and Indian Ocean Destinations Standouts
MALDIVES AND KENYA DOMINATE 2023 WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS IN AFRICA & INDIAN OCEAN, CELEBRATING TOP TOURISM AND AVIATION EXCELLENCE.
In a glittering red carpet ceremony, the 2023 World Travel Awards (WTA) celebrated the best in travel, tourism, and hospitality across Africa and the Indian Ocean. The event, held at the new Atlantis Royal resort in Dubai, saw attendees from all corners of the region eagerly awaiting the winners’ announcements.
Maldives Standouts
The Maldives emerged as the star of the evening, clinching ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination’ and ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Tourist Board’ awards. Meanwhile, Kenya secured the title of ‘Africa’s Leading Destination. Durban, South Africa, triumphed as the ‘Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination.’
City and Attractions
Cape Town recognized as ‘Africa’s Leading City Destination,’ and Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area claimed ‘Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction. Mauritius took home the title of ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Wedding Destination. While Seychelles crowned ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination.’ The ‘Africa’s Leading Hotel‘ award went to Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club.
Aviation Honors
In the aviation sector, Ethiopian Airlines was the winner with ‘Africa’s Leading Airline’ and ‘Africa’s Leading Airline – Business Class’ awards. Kenya Airways earned the ‘Africa’s Leading Airline – Economy Class’ title. Air Mauritius named ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline,’ and Trans Maldivian Airways secured ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Seaplane Operator.’
Newcomers Shine
Newcomers were not to be left out, with Morocco’s Fairmont Taghazout Bay being named ‘Africa’s Leading New Hotel,’ and the Emerald Zanzibar Resort & Spa hailed as the ‘Africa’s Leading New Resort.’ The Maldives’ Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa took home the title of ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading New Resort.’ Additionally, Get Into Maldives Travels was recognized as the ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator.’
Graham Cooke, Founder of WTA, expressed his privilege in welcoming the winners to the 30th-anniversary celebrations in Dubai. He commended the winners for elevating the standards of tourism excellence, making the evening truly memorable.
The 2023 World Travel Awards showcased the region’s exceptional travel and hospitality brands, setting new benchmarks for excellence.
