The World Travel Awards (WTA) 2025 kicked off with the highly anticipated Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, a prestigious event celebrating excellence in travel, tourism, and hospitality. Held at the Johari Rotana, the ceremony brought together industry leaders to honor outstanding achievements, highlighting innovation, sustainability, and superior guest experiences across the regions. This event served not only as an awards presentation but also as a vital platform for networking and inspiration, underscoring the resilience and dynamism of the African and Indian Ocean travel sectors.

Tanzania’s tourism industry garnered significant attention, securing multiple accolades. The country was named ‘Africa’s Leading Destination,’ affirming its status as a premier travel spot. Its natural wonders also received recognition, with Serengeti National Park winning ‘Africa’s Leading National Park’ and Mount Kilimanjaro being honored as ‘Africa’s Leading Mountain National Park.’ Zanzibar further cemented Tanzania’s diverse appeal by being recognized as ‘Africa’s Leading Beach Destination.’ These awards not only boost Tanzania’s global tourism appeal but also reflect successful efforts in conservation, infrastructure development, and service quality, with hopes to further increase visitor numbers and support local economies.

The Indian Ocean region also saw major wins, with the Maldives taking home ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination’ and ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Green Destination.’ This dual recognition underscores the Maldives’ strong commitment to sustainable tourism and its role in protecting delicate marine ecosystems, while continuing to set benchmarks for luxury and innovative guest experiences. New establishments were also celebrated, with JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort earning the title of ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading New Resort,’ signaling robust investor confidence and the ongoing diversification of accommodation options in the region.

Africa’s vibrant luxury hospitality sector was also prominently featured. Kenya’s Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club was named ‘Africa’s Leading Hotel,’ praised for its blend of heritage and spectacular views. Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort in Kenya received ‘Africa’s Leading Resort.’ In Tanzania, Singita Milele emerged as ‘Africa’s Leading New Hotel,’ reinforcing the country’s growing status as a destination for high-end tourism investment and exceptional wilderness experiences.

Beyond destinations and accommodations, the awards also recognized the broader tourism ecosystem. Kenya Airways was honored as ‘Africa’s Leading Airline,’ acknowledging its crucial role in connecting travelers to the continent. Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam won ‘Africa’s Leading Airport,’ reflecting Tanzania’s investments in modern infrastructure. Port of Cape Town was recognized as ‘Africa’s Leading Cruise Port,’ and Durban ICC as ‘Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre,’ highlighting the importance of cruise and business travel. Other notable winners included Eden Bleu Hotel in Seychelles (‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Conference Hotel’) and Chale Island in Kenya (‘Africa’s Leading Private Island Resort’), showcasing the region’s diverse offerings from exclusive island escapes to world-class event hosting.

Graham Cooke, President & Founder of World Travel Awards, commended the winners for their vision and commitment, acknowledging Tanzania’s energy and hospitality in hosting the event. Ephraim Mafuru, Director General of the Tanzania Tourist Board, emphasized the ceremony’s significance as a milestone for Tanzania, offering a global stage to showcase its landscapes, cultures, and services. The event served as a critical platform for industry players to share ideas, celebrate innovation, and discuss evolving traveler expectations, reaffirming the region’s dedication to building a resilient, inclusive, and thriving tourism sector.

Following the successful Africa and Indian Ocean Gala, attention now shifts to the next major event on the World Travel Awards 2025 calendar: the Latin America Gala Ceremony. This dazzling event is scheduled for September 27, 2025, at the luxurious Ava Resort in Cancun, Mexico. The Latin America Gala promises to be an extraordinary occasion, celebrating the finest in Latin American travel and tourism, and adhering to WTA's global reputation as the gold standard for recognizing excellence in hotels, resorts, airlines, and tour operators worldwide.

The World Travel Awards are annually celebrated as one of the most prestigious events in the global travel industry, acknowledging best practices, fostering innovation, and promoting excellence. The upcoming Latin America Gala will bring together key figures from the region’s tourism and hospitality industry, showcasing achievements in various categories, including leading hotels, sustainable tourism practices, and outstanding airline services. The Latin American tourism market is experiencing rapid growth, attracting travelers with its unique cultural experiences and natural beauty, from the beaches of Costa Rica to the historic wonders of Mexico. Sustainability will be a significant focus, recognizing organizations that have implemented innovative and impactful sustainable initiatives, setting a positive example for the future of global travel. The World Travel Awards 2025 continues to honor individuals and organizations shaping the future of travel and tourism worldwide, from responsible tourism to world-class hospitality, reinforcing the importance of tourism in the global economy and fostering cross-cultural collaboration.