Africa's travel and tourism elite honoured at Diamonds Bijoux Zanzibar

Tourism and hospitality leaders from across Africa gathered in Zanzibar for the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony 2026, celebrating the organisations setting new standards for excellence and innovation across the continent. The VIP reception was hosted at Diamonds Bijoux Zanzibar, the island’s new flagship luxury resort.

Winners included Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, named ‘Africa's Leading Hotel’, while Zanzibar collected the titles of ‘Africa's Leading Beach Destination’ and ‘Africa's Leading Festival & Event Destination’.

Tanzania’s strength across the travel and tourism spectrum was highlighted by winning ‘Africa's Leading Destination’ and 'Africa's Leading Tourist Board'. The nation’s extraordinary natural assets were celebrated with Serengeti National Park claiming ‘Africa's Leading National Park’ and ‘Africa's Leading Big 5 National Park’, while Kilimanjaro National Park was named ‘Africa's Leading Mountain National Park’.

Diamonds Bijoux Zanzibar, which opened in January 2026 on Zanzibar’s south-east coast, was recognised as ‘Africa's Leading New Resort’ and ‘Zanzibar's Leading Villa Resort’.

Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, said: “It has been a privilege to welcome our winners from across Africa to this extraordinary celebration in Zanzibar. Diamonds Bijoux provided a spectacular setting for an unforgettable evening, reflecting the elegance, warmth and vibrant spirit that make Zanzibar such a compelling destination. Our winners represent the very best of the travel and tourism sector, and we congratulate them on their achievements in helping to shape its future.”

The President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, H.E. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has continued to champion tourism as one of Zanzibar’s key economic pillars, recognising its major contribution to the islands’ growth, employment, investment and international visibility. He said: “This prestigious occasion reflects the growing stature of Zanzibar as one of Africa’s leading tourism destinations celebrated for its pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, fascinating history, warm hospitality and the dedication of its people.”

Gianni Mannai, General Manager, Diamonds Bijoux Zanzibar, said: “Hosting the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony 2026 has been a proud and defining moment for Diamonds Bijoux Zanzibar. This prestigious occasion has provided an exceptional platform to showcase the beauty, warmth and distinctive hospitality of Zanzibar to travel industry leaders from across Africa and beyond. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all this year’s winners on their outstanding achievements.”

In the aviation sector, Kenya Airways took to the podium to collect ‘Africa's Leading Airline’ and ‘Africa's Leading Airline - Economy Class’, with Ethiopian Airlines named ‘Africa's Leading Airline - Business Class’, and RwandAir voted ‘Africa's Leading Cabin Crew’. Julius Nyerere International Airport, Tanzania, earned the title of ‘Africa's Leading Airport’.

Zanzibar Commission for Tourism claimed 'Africa's Leading Regional Tourist Board'. Port of Cape Town was voted ‘Africa's Leading Cruise Port’, while Durban ICC was named ‘Africa's Leading Meetings & Conference Centre’.

Elsewhere in the luxury hospitality sector, Chem Chem Lodge was named ‘Africa's Leading Luxury Safari Lodge’; Fraser Suites Abuja claimed ‘Africa's Leading Serviced Apartments’; and LUX* Marijani received ‘Africa's Leading Green Hotel’. Meanwhile The Mora Zanzibar was voted ‘Africa's Most Romantic Resort’; Villa Thandawena @ Thanda Safari was named ‘South Africa's Leading Luxury Safari Villa’.

The ceremony marked the opening leg of WTA’s Grand Tour 2026, a global series of red-carpet events celebrating travel excellence. This year’s programme includes ceremonies in the Maldives, Jamaica, Montenegro and the United Arab Emirates, culminating in the Grand Final in Tanzania. Find more information and a full list of winners on the official World Travel Awards website.

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Notes to Editors

About World Travel Awards

World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the WTA brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. For more information, visit worldtravelawards.com.