Faith Nyasuguta
For the seventh time in a row, Kenya has been named a world-leading safari destination by the World Travel Awards (WTA).
In the 2021’s prestigious awards, the East African nation beat Botswana, South Africa, Tanzania, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
This was revealed late last week during the WTA grand final winners’ day, held to celebrate excellence in travel and tourism.
At the same time, national carrier Kenya Airways was named Africa’s leading airline, with its business class also emerging top in the continent.
Ethiopia Airlines bagged both the leading brand and economy class awards in Africa in 2021.
According to the Kenya Tourism Board CEO Betty Radier, the win is a testament to the nation’s superior offering of the safari product and experience.
“This recognition is an endorsement of Magical Kenya, known as the home of authentic African Safari. Without a doubt, this is well-deserved, and I believe that we shall get even better,” she said.
Adding, “We shall continue with our commitment towards preserving and showcasing to the world the unique wildlife heritage bestowed to our country for the sake of generations to come.”
The CEO revealed that Kenya would continue to build on its potential growth areas, among them “the Magical Kenya Signature Experiences, where travelers have an opportunity to experience a foot safari or even track wildlife while on foot.”
Immediately travel restrictions hit the tourism sector in the wake of Covid-19, Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife commissioned a virtual live stream campaign to showcase game safaris in parks and reserves countrywide.
The campaign was broadcasted globally as part of the ‘Magic Awaits destination’ marketing campaign last year.
In August 2021, Kenya joined hands with video sharing platform TikTok to display the great wildebeest migration at the Maasai Mara game reserve.
“Kenya is a rich and diverse country, with an incredible wildlife offering which we want to highlight as well as protect… Kenya Tourism Board is keen to ensure MagicalKenya remains top of mind among consumers,” Dr Radier said.
The winners in other categories are as follows:
Africa’s Leading Airport Hotel 2021 — Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi
Africa’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2021 — Diamonds Dream of Africa
Africa’s Leading Business Travel Destination 2021 — Nairobi
Africa’s Leading City Hotel 2021 — Fairmont The Norfolk
Africa’s Leading Cruise Port 2021 — Port of Mombasa
Africa’s Leading Hotel 2021 — Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club
Africa’s Leading Hotel Brand 2021 — Serena Hotels
Africa’s Leading Luxury Tented Safari Camp 2021 — Olare Mara Kempinski Masai Mara
Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre 2021 — Kenyatta International Convention Centre
Africa’s Leading Sports Resort 2021 — Ocean Sports Resort, Watamu
Africa’s Leading Tented Safari Camp 2021 — Finch Hattons
Africa’s Leading Tour Operator 2021 — Pollman’s Tours & Safaris
Africa’s Leading Tourist Board 2021 — Kenya Tourism Board
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