Kenya dominates world travel awards gala in Seychelles

The Kenya’s tourism facilities dominated the 22nd World Travel Awards (WTA) gala ceremony held in Seychelles scooping nine awards in various categories on the weekend.

The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) led the pack by retaining Africa’s leading tourism board for the fourth year in a row.

According to a statement from KTB, Maasai Mara Game Reserve was voted Africa's leading National Park with Diani beach clinching Africa's leading beach destination.

Speaking after receiving the awards, Commerce and Tourism Principal Secretary Dr Ibrahim Mohammed said the outstanding performance by the industry will go a long way in building the country’s brand equity and called on the players in the sector to continuously improve on their service delivery.

“Hospitality industry has to keep pace with the changing needs of clientele and therefore a need for constant improvement of product and services. These awards Kenyan travel trade has received today are a demonstration of improvement in services,” said the PS.

LUXURY DESTINATION

Twiga Tours was ranked Africa's leading luxury safari destination as well as Africa's responsible tourism company. Carlson Wagonlit topped as Kenya’s leading travel Management Company as well as Kenya’s leading travel company.

Naivaisha- based Spa Resort, Enashipai won as Kenya's leading spa while Nairobi Serena triumphed as Kenya's leading business hotel. It was also crowned Kenya's green hotel.

The travel industry’ awards were held at Kempinski resort in Seychelles and attended by players of the tourism industry from across the globe.

While urging the tourism stakeholders across the continent to work together in growing tourism business, Mohammed added “Africa is our next frontier and this is the time for us as a continent to leverage on each other’s strength, synergize on our varied expertise for the betterment of the sector”.

KTB managing director, Muriithi Ndegwa welcomed the award for the best tourism board and attributed the success to the dedicated staff and support from the parent ministry as well as the private sector.

“We are honoured to win the title of the Leading tourism board for the fourth time running and this will add impetus to our marketing strategies despite the challenges that have bedevilled the sector in the recent past”.

He said the voting of Maasai Mara Game Reserve as Africa’s leading National Park and Diani as Africa’s leading beach destination was an indication of Kenya’s unbeatable position as a safari and beach destination.

“We are leveraging on these endorsements of our traditional products to push our other diverse tourism products across the country,” said Mr Ndegwa