The countdown is on – Just three days to go , this Thursday 28 August, the global tourism industry will turn its attention to Zanzibar as the spectacular Diamonds Bijoux Resort prepares to host the first World Travel Awards event of 2026 – the prestigious Africa Gala Ceremony.
With just days to go, guests, nominees and tourism dignitaries from across Africa and beyond are making their way to the region for what promises to be one of the most anticipated nights on the continent’s tourism calendar.
The event will bring together an impressive gathering of Africa’s leading hoteliers, destination marketers, tourism ministers, airlines, travel professionals and hospitality innovators, all united in celebrating the extraordinary contribution tourism makes to the continent.
But this will be about far more than trophies and red carpets.
The Africa Gala Ceremony arrives at an exciting moment for African tourism, with destinations across the continent continuing to attract international visitors through a compelling combination of extraordinary landscapes, rich cultural heritage, exceptional hospitality and increasingly sophisticated tourism infrastructure.
From the beaches of Zanzibar and the Indian Ocean islands to Africa’s iconic safari destinations, vibrant cities and emerging tourism hotspots, the continent continues to demonstrate its enormous potential on the global travel stage.
For the nominees, however, the focus will ultimately be on one question: who will take home one of the coveted World Travel Awards?
The awards recognise excellence across a wide spectrum of the travel and tourism industry, with destinations, hotels, resorts, airlines and tourism organisations competing for recognition as leaders in their respective fields. Winning a World Travel Award represents a significant achievement and provides recipients with an opportunity to showcase their excellence to an international audience.
For those attending, the evening promises all the glamour and excitement associated with the World Travel Awards, combined with the unique warmth and hospitality for which Zanzibar is renowned.
And what better setting could there be?
Zanzibar offers a spectacular backdrop for an event celebrating African tourism. Its turquoise Indian Ocean waters, powder-soft beaches, historic Stone Town, distinctive culture and renowned hospitality provide an unforgettable introduction to one of Africa’s most captivating destinations.
As the final preparations are completed at Diamonds Bijoux Resort, anticipation is building among nominees and guests. Across the continent, tourism professionals will be watching closely as the winners are revealed and the evening’s celebrations unfold.
There is now not long to wait.
On 28 August, the eyes of the international travel industry will be firmly focused on Zanzibar, as Africa’s tourism leaders come together to celebrate achievement, innovation and excellence.
The big question is ready to be answered: who will be crowned Africa’s tourism leaders for 2026?
For the nominees, the wait is almost over. For the winners, a memorable night in Zanzibar could mark the beginning of another remarkable chapter in their tourism success story.
