Kenya Named Africa's Leading Tourist Destination by World Travel Awards

The World Travel Awards (WTA) has named Kenya as 2020 Africa’s leading tourist destination.

The announcement was made virtually from the UK during the 27th WTA finals that coincided with the Africa Winners Day.

Further to this, Destination Kenya was ranked Africa’s leading destination management company 2020, while the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) was named Africa’s leading tourist Board.

Kenyan capital Nairobi and Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC) bagged Africa’s Leading Business Travel Destination and Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre awards respectively.

In hospitality, the Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club won the title of Africa’s Leading Hotel, Aberdare Country Club was voted Africa’s Leading Green Hotel while Boabab Beach Resort & Spa clinched Africa’s leading Family Resort title.

Both Africa’s Leading Airline (Business Class) and Africa’s Leading Airline (Economy Class) titles were won by national carrier Kenya Airways (KQ).

The WTA recognizes and rewards excellence in travel and tourism, honoring the best from across the continent.

Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Chairman Jimi Kariuki said the naming of Kenya as Africa’s leading tourist destination is a plus for the county’s tourism sector which has been hurt by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This is a big encouragement to everybody in the tourism sector and shows that even as we go through this difficult time, Kenya still remains the top destination in Africa. We shall continue to improve our tourism products and to showcase our diverse offerings globally so that we remain ready for take-off once travel resumes fully.” 

“I take this opportunity to congratulate all the Kenyan winners including KTB which won Africa’s leading tourist Board. We shall continue with our efforts to see that Kenya is always at the top in tourism offering,” he said.

KTB CEO Betty Radier said: “This win makes us immensely proud. It shows that our efforts in showcasing our diverse offerings through our various campaigns have borne fruits with people anticipating to come to Kenya once travel resumes fully.”