The World Travel Awards (WTA) is the travel industry's most prestigious awards programme, celebrating excellence in the tourism, airline, hospitality and hotel sectors around the world. Each year, the WTA hosts a series of regional gala ceremonies to recognise and honour individual and company success within key geographical locations.
Kenya triumphed in the 2017 World Travel Awards, collecting top awards in a range of categories. The Maasia Mara was named Africa's leading national park while Diani Beach was voted the continent's leading beach destination. The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB)
also emerged as Africa's top tourism board for the sixth consecutive year.
Paradise Found
1. Diani Beach – Africa's leading beach destination
Diani Beach was ranked as the leading beach destination in Africa for a fourth year in a row, beating competition from South Africa, Mozambique, Zanzibar and Egypt. Glorious white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and stunning sunsets…we could go on. Diani Beach reigns supreme as Africa's leading beach destination.
Dance With the Maasai
2. Maasai Mara – Africa's leading national park.
The world famous Maasai Mara topped the list ahead of Kruger National Park in South Africa, Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, and Central Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana at this year's award ceremony. The Maasai Mara is the jewel in Kenya's crown. Take in the mighty Big 5 as they stalk the Mara plains, dance with the Maasai and unleash your spirit of adventure on a memorable safari.
Glide through the Skies
3. Kenya Airways – Africa's leading Airline
This is the second consecutive year that Kenya's national carrier has won the coveted title, beating South African Airways, RwandAir, EgyptAir and Royal Air Maroc. Kenya Airways was also named the winner in the Business Class category for the fifth consecutive year. Africa's leading airline can transport you from a cold, grey northern winter to a sun-kissed tropical delight in as little as 8 hours. Friendly, efficient staff are ready to welcome you onboard.
Where Legend Meets Luxury
4. Finch Hattons – Africa's leading tented safari camp
Oozing with elegance, Finch Hatton's luxury tented safari camp is named after the legendary British aristocrat and pioneering adventurer, Denys Finch Hatton. This year, Finch Hattons won the award for
Africa's Leading Tented Safari Camp for the second consecutive year. Experience the Kenyan wilderness the way Denys Finch Hatton did,in timeless, enchanting style.
Magical Kenya
5. Kenya Tourism Board – Africa's leading Tourism Board
The Kenya Tourism Board triumphed over 10 other tourism agents in Africa, including the Egyptian Tourist Authority, Moroccan National Tourism Organisation and South African Tourism for the sixth year running. The Kenya Tourism Board's aim is to inspire the world to visit Kenya. The tourism industry at large is thankful for the excellent work they do.
Hassle-free travel
6. Bonfire Adventures – Africa's leading Travel Agency
Bonfire Adventures picked up 2 awards this year. For the first time, they took home Africa's Leading Travel Agency and for the second year in a row they picked up Kenya's Leading Travel Agency Award. Take the hassle out of travel with Bonfire Adventures. Find fantastic deals to the coast, book last-minute weekend getaways and get ready for your next safari with Africa's leading travel agency.
The Lap Of Luxury
7. Fairmont Mt Kenya Safari Club - Africa’s Leading Hotel
Once a favourite of Winston Churchill's, and with magnificent views of Mount Kenya, the Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club has won Africa's Leading Hotel award for the second year in a row. It is the perfect place to relax in beautifully landscaped gardens with easy access to some of the country's finest attractions.
Cruise Into Mombasa
8. Port of Mombasa - Africa’s Leading Cruise Port
The Port of Mombasa was voted Africa's Leading Cruise Port for a 3rd year in a row, winning the award in 2015, 2016, and 2017. Cruise into Mombasa and uncover the hidden treasures
of Kenya's historic port city. Don't leave without sampling local delicacies and sinking your toes into the soft sand of Mombasa's beautiful beaches.
Live the dream
9. Destination Kenya - Africa’s Leading Destination Management Company
Destination Kenya is a premier destination management company, offering bespoke programmes and travel experiences to suit every taste and budget.
This year Destination Kenya won the award for Africa's Leading Destination Management Company for a second year in a row. With a network of partners and excellent service, Destination Kenya can bring your dreams to life.
An Inmate African Adventure
10. Sirikoi Kenya - Africa’s Leading Luxury Lodge
Sirikoi won Africa's Leading Luxury Lodge for the fist time in 2017. Enjoy an intimate safari at Sirikoi's family-run, eco lodge, surrounded by the mesmerising beauty of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy on the northern slopes of Mount Kenya. Feel at one with nature in world-class comfort.