Zanzibar welcomed the continent’s travel and tourism elite as Diamonds Bijoux Zanzibar hosted the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony 2026, celebrating top regional hospitality destinations, airlines, and industry innovators across Africa.
The coastal island setting provided a dramatic backdrop for the red-carpet event, which marks the opening leg of the World Travel Awards Grand Tour 2026. Tourism leaders from across the continent gathered at the newly opened luxury resort to honor the organizations setting new benchmarks for hospitality and operational excellence.
Zanzibar and Tanzania Sweep Major Regional Awards
Host nation Tanzania enjoyed a dominant evening, securing high-profile regional titles that underscored its standing across the international tourism spectrum. Tanzania won both ‘Africa’s Leading Destination’ and ‘Africa’s Leading Tourist Board’, while Zanzibar itself collected the coveted titles of Africa’s Leading Beach Destination and Africa’s Leading Festival & Event Destination.
The President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, H.E. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has continued to champion tourism as one of Zanzibar’s key economic pillars, recognising its major contribution to the islands’ growth, employment, investment and international visibility. He stated: “This prestigious occasion reflects the growing stature of Zanzibar as one of Africa’s leading tourism destinations celebrated for its pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, fascinating history, warm hospitality and the dedication of its people.”
The recognition extended across the nation’s celebrated natural reserves and infrastructure. Serengeti National Park claimed the titles for ‘Africa’s Leading National Park’ and ‘Africa’s Leading Big 5 National Park’. Kilimanjaro National Park was named ‘Africa’s Leading Mountain National Park’, and Julius Nyerere International Airport earned the designation of ‘Africa’s Leading Airport’.
Inside Diamonds Bijoux Zanzibar and the Luxury Winners
The host venue itself captured major industry recognition during the ceremony. Opened in January 2026 on the south-east coast of Zanzibar on the beach of Bwejuu, Diamonds Bijoux Zanzibar was recognized as ‘Africa’s Leading New Resort’ and ‘Zanzibar’s Leading Villa Resort’.
The modern beachfront property evokes the historical heritage of the Sultan era through a fusion of Arabic and Swahili design, featuring intricate hand-carved decor, enchanting antiques, and romantic brass lanterns nestled among coconut palms on Bwejuu Beach. The resort offers guests an All Inclusive service with multiple à la carte restaurants and bars, two outdoor swimming pools, a wellness centre with hammam and sauna, a children’s club, and fitness facilities.
Other luxury hospitality winners across the continent included Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, which was named ‘Africa’s Leading Hotel’. Chem Chem Lodge took ‘Africa’s Leading Luxury Safari Lodge’, Fraser Suites Abuja claimed ‘Africa’s Leading Serviced Apartments’, LUX* Marijani received the award for ‘Africa’s Leading Green Hotel’, and The Mora Zanzibar was voted ‘Africa’s Most Romantic Resort’.
Hosting the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony 2026 has been a proud and defining moment for Diamonds Bijoux Zanzibar. This prestigious occasion has provided an exceptional platform to showcase the beauty, warmth and distinctive hospitality of Zanzibar to travel industry leaders from across Africa and beyond. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all this year’s winners on their outstanding achievements. Gianni
Aviation, Transport, and the Wider Grand Tour Schedule
In the aviation and transport sectors, Kenya Airways emerged as a dual winner, collecting the titles for ‘Africa’s Leading Airline’ and ‘Africa’s Leading Airline – Economy Class’. Ethiopian Airlines was named ‘Africa’s Leading Airline – Business Class’, while RwandAir was voted ‘Africa’s Leading Cabin Crew’.
Additional category winners included the Port of Cape Town, voted ‘Africa’s Leading Cruise Port’, and Durban ICC, named ‘Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre’. The Zanzibar Commission for Tourism also claimed ‘Africa’s Leading Regional Tourist Board’.
It has been a privilege to welcome our winners from across Africa to this extraordinary celebration in Zanzibar. Diamonds Bijoux provided a spectacular setting for an unforgettable evening, reflecting the elegance, warmth and vibrant spirit that make Zanzibar such a compelling destination. Our winners represent the very best of the travel and tourism sector, and we congratulate them on their achievements in helping to shape its future. Graham
International travelers visiting the destination must navigate mandatory local requirements, including a Zanzibari travel insurance policy mandated for all foreign tourists arriving on the islands. The policy requires an application and payment in the amount of approximately 44 USD per person processed through the official website www.visitzanzibar.go.tz, to be presented at check-in or upon arrival.
Following the Zanzibar opening ceremony, the World Travel Awards Grand Tour 2026 continues its schedule across international destinations before concluding the current tour circuit.
