Spotlight on Africa and Indian Ocean Islands: World Travel Awards 2024
Maldives, South Africa, and Tanzania claim top honors at the World Travel Awards 2024
On November 24, 2024, tourism leaders from around the globe gathered in Funchal, Madeira for the 31st Annual World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala Ceremony.
The event celebrated travel organisations that are pushing the boundaries of excellence and innovation.
The Maldives emerged as a prominent destination, securing multiple awards including World’s Leading Destination, World’s Leading Green Destination, and World’s Leading Luxury Honeymoon Resort.
South Africa also garnered significant recognition, with accolades such as World’s Leading Boutique Hotel, World’s Leading Luxury Lodge, and World’s Leading Private Game Reserve.
Additionally, Tanzania was honoured with the titles of World’s Leading Exclusive Private Island and World’s Leading Safari Destination.
“Our winners represent the pinnacle of tourism excellence, and I congratulate each of them for raising the benchmark of the global tourism economy.”
Graham Cooke, Founder of the World Travel Awards
WTA World Winners 2024 – Africa and Indian Ocean Islands
Kenya
- World’s Leading Safari Company 2024 – Twiga Tours
Maldives
- World’s Leading Airport Resort 2024 – Hulhule Island Hotel
- World’s Leading Boutique Airport Hotel 2024 – JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La
- World’s Leading Destination 2024 – Maldives
- World’s Leading Green Destination 2024 – Maldives
- World’s Leading Luxury Honeymoon Resort 2024 – Vakkaru Maldives
Mauritius
- World’s Leading Wedding Destination 2024 – Mauritius
- World’s Leading Luxury Villa Beach Resort 2024 – Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa, Mauritius
Madagascar
- World’s Leading Beach Resort 2024 – Andilana Beach Resort, Madagascar
Rwanda
- World’s Leading Safari Lodge 2024 – Bisate Lodge
Seychelles
- World’s Leading Airline to the Indian Ocean 2024 – Air Seychelles
- World’s Leading Luxury Private Island Resort 2024 – North Island
South Africa
- World’s Leading Boutique Hotel 2024 – Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa
- World’s Leading Luxury Lodge 2024 – Malewane Lodge at Royal Malewane
- World’s Leading Luxury Private Villa 2024 – Villa iZulu @ Thanda Safari
- World’s Leading Private Game Reserve 2024 – &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve
Tanzania
- World’s Leading Exclusive Private Island 2024 – Thanda Island
- World’s Leading Safari Destination 2024 – Tanzania
- World’s Leading Balloon Ride Operator 2024 – Serengeti Balloon Safaris
Other Winners
- World’s Leading Airline to Africa 2024 – TAP Air Portugal
- World’s Leading Airline Alliance 2024 – Star Alliance
The World Travel Awards (WTA), established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward, and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry, highlights its brand as the ultimate hallmark of quality.
According to WTA, its winners set the benchmark for the global tourism industry.
