Zanzibar: Leading Beach Destination in Africa

At a ceremony held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi, Zanzibar was awarded the top beach destination in Africa for 2022 by the World Travel Awards, beating out a number of other well-known locations including Cape Town and Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt, among others.

Thanda Islands in the Indian Ocean earned Africa’s Leading Luxury Island in 2022, replacing Zanzibar, which is noted for its immaculate beaches, which kept the title it had previously won.

Africa’s Leading Luxury Safari Lodge 2022 was awarded to Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Tanzania, on a night of glitz and pomp with top tourism VIPs from 25 nations in attendance.

Kenya, however, topped off the evening by scooping the major title of ‘Africa’s Leading Destination’, 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.

Kenya Airways emerged with a hat-trick of top aviation honours as it 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’ whereas Air Seychelles celebrated with the honour of ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline’ as the ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline Brand’ won by Air Mauritius.

Speaking at the event, 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 once again raise the bar”.