Southland Sun: Repeat win for Port of Durban at World Travel Awards

The Port of Durban, operated by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), has once again scooped the prestigious title of Africa’s Leading Cruise Port at the World Travel Awards.

The Africa and Indian Ocean gala awards ceremony took place at Sugar Beach, Mauritius on Saturday, 1 June 2019, where Durban won in three categories, namely Leading City Destination, Leading Meetings and Conference Destination and Leading Cruise Port. The awards were presented by South African media personality, Jo-Anne Strauss.

This year’s awards once again saw the port up against strong contenders including Kenya’s Port of Mombasa, Tanzania’s Ports of Dar Es Salaam and Zanzibar, as well as South Africa’s Ports of Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. The Port of Durban previously held the title from 2010 to 2013 before losing it to Cape Town in 2014 and then to Mombasa from 2015 to 2017.

Acting Durban Port Manager, Nokuzola Nkowane said: “We’re thrilled to have retained this respected title and we must thank South Africans for so eagerly making cruise voyages a part of their lifestyle. Our thanks also go the cruise line operators that continue to show such confidence in our port by including it on their itineraries, often with multiple vessels calling to our sunny shores.

“Finally, we express our gratitude to all the players in the local tourism sector who offer shore excursions and cultural experiences to make the city of Durban such an attractive tourism destination, ensuring our continued appeal to domestic and international tourists alike.”

Nkowane also congratulated Silversea Cruises, which was named Africa’s Leading Cruise Line 2019. Headquartered in Monaco, the company has become a regular to local cruise ports, usually with two or three vessels sailing locally per cruise season, including Silver Discoverer, Silver Whisper, Silver Spirit and Silver Cloud.

Founded in 1993, the World Travel Awards seek to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry.