World Travel Awards Africa, Indian Ocean 2019 winners revealed
The Africa and Indian Ocean winners have been announced for the 2019 World Travel Awards, which took place in Mauritius at the Sugar Beach - A Sun Resort on 1 June. Winners at the gala ceremony included Kenya, voted 'Africa's Leading Destination', while Mauritius was crowned 'Indian Ocean's Leading Destination' as well as 'Indian Ocean's Leading Adventure Tourism Destination'.
Graham E. Cooke, Founder, WTA, said: "Our inaugural ceremony in Mauritius has proved an incredible success. We have had the privilege of recognising the leading destinations, hotels, resorts, airlines and travel providers from across Africa and the Indian Ocean and my congratulations to each of our winners."
Honourable Anil Kumarsingh Gayan, SC, Minister of Tourism, Republic of Mauritius, said: "It was a big honour and a great privilege for Mauritius to host the WTA Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2019.
"Such a glittering event would not have been possible without the dedication and unwavering support of my good friend, Graham Cooke, and his wonderful team. Thank you for making 1 June 2019 such an exciting and memorable evening."
In the aviation sector, Ethiopian Airlines was voted 'Africa’s Leading Airline', while 'Africa’s Leading Airport' went to Cape Town International Airport. In the Indian Ocean, Air Mauritius claimed the titles of 'Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline' and 'Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline – Business Class'.
South Africa’s Table Mountain was named 'Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction'. Kenya enjoyed a strong showing, with Kenya Tourist Board named Africa’s Leading Tourist Board, capital Nairobi winning the new category 'Africa's Leading Business Travel Destination', and Kenyatta ICC picking up 'Africa's Leading Meetings & Conference Centre'.
In the Indian Ocean categories, the Maldives was named 'Indian Ocean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination', while Seychelles picked up 'Indian Ocean’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination'.
Hospitality winners included:
• Hilton Hotels & Resorts (Africa's Leading Hotel Brand),
• Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa (Africa’s Leading Boutique Hotel),
• Thanda Island, Tanzania (Africa’s Leading Luxury Island),
• Pangolin Chobe Hotel, Botswana (Africa’s Leading New Hotel),
• Legend Golf Resort & Spa, South Africa (Africa’s Leading Sports Resort), and
• Transcorp Hilton Abuja (Africa’s Leading Business Hotel).
The ceremony marked the third leg of the WTA Grand Tour 2019. Other 2019 regional ceremonies include Montego Bay (Jamaica), Abu Dhabi (UAE), Madeira (Portugal), La Paz (Bolivia), Phu Quoc (Vietnam), with the winners progressing to the Grand Final in Muscat (Oman).
