Rwanda revealed as host for World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony

Rwanda will welcome World Travel Awards for the first time, with the Africa Gala Ceremony 2017 set to take place in the country's thriving capital, Kigali, on 10th October.

Spanning several valley and hillsides, Kigali – renowned for its cleanliness and warm hospitality – is arguably one of the most attractive African capitals. It's ideal location in the centre of Rwanda, the safest country in Africa and ninth safest in the world. also makes it an ideal base for exploration.

World Travel Awards President and Founder, Graham Cooke, said: “It will be an honour for World Travel Awards to visit Rwanda for the first time, later this year.

“The heart of Africa, Rwanda is rightfully known for being the home of mountain gorillas, its spectacular scenery – think thundering waterfalls, towering mountains and virgin rainforests – and other rare wildlife. This is a fantastic opportunity for Rwanda to claim its rightful place as Africa's rising star.”

Mr Frank Murangwa, Ag. CEO, Rwanda Convention Bureau, added: “The Government of Rwanda is privileged to host the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony in Kigali, Rwanda.

“Rwanda has increasingly become a destination of choice for both international leisure and MICE travellers due to its excellent MICE infrastructures and an array of iconic tourism attractions and therefore a perfect fit for this event, and Kigali city has special fascination to visitors.

“The Government of Rwanda is committed to working with World Travel Awards to ensure that the event is successfully hosted in the country.”

World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony 2017 will take place at the five star Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre - which features the first convention centre in Rwanda and isone of the most recognised modern structures in Africa with room for up to 5,000 delegates - with hundreds of hospitality leaders from across the region expected to be in attendance.

The hotel's plush 292 rooms and suites pamper guests: expect private balconies, deep soaking tubs, flat-screen satellite televisions and complimentary high-speed, wireless Internet.

Two on-site restaurants, including one with all-day dining, serve up continental and Rwandan favourites. For a nightcap, look to the Lounge Bar which offers the city's widest array of drinks and selected international wines.

Other amenities include a 24-hour health club, dedicate concierge team, swimming pool, tennis court and a total of 18 meeting rooms.

Voting for the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony concludes on the 21^st August 2017, with more information here: www.worldtravelawards.com/vote

A full list of nominees can be seen here: www.worldtravelawards.com/nominees/2017/africa

World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry.

Today, the World Travel Awards brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.

Each year, World Travel Awards covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognise and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region.

World Travel Awards Gala Ceremonies are widely regarded as the best networking opportunities in the travel industry, attended by government and industry leaders, luminaries and international print and broadcast media.

For more information about World Travel Awards, please visit the official website, www.worldtravelawards.com.