World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean gala ceremony set to take place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

TANZANIA – The World Travel Awards (WTA) Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony has set the stage to shine, with just two days remaining before its grand opening on Saturday, June 28, 2025.

The prestigious event will be hosted at the magnificent Johari Rotana hotel in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, promising an unforgettable evening celebrating the region’s finest achievements in tourism, hospitality, and travel innovation.

The WTA Africa & Indian Ocean Gala is a highlight on the regional travel calendar, attracting top industry leaders, innovators, and influencers from across Africa and the Indian Ocean.

This year’s ceremony will honour outstanding contributions in categories ranging from luxury hotels and airlines to conservation initiatives and destination marketing.

The event opens with a networking cocktail reception at 7 p.m., followed by a gala dinner and awards presentation, culminating in a night of glamour and recognition.

Last year’s ceremony set a high benchmark, spotlighting exceptional winners such as LUX* Saint Gilles in Reunion Island for Leading Hotel and Air Mauritius for Leading Airline.

The Maldives was celebrated as the Leading Destination, while Seychelles and Mauritius earned accolades for their natural beauty and adventure tourism.

These awards have helped elevate the global profiles of the winners, driving increased visitor interest and investment in the region.

Hosting the event in Dar es Salaam underscores Tanzania’s rapid rise as a tourism powerhouse, with its world-famous Serengeti safaris, pristine Zanzibar beaches, and the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro.

The choice of the Johari Rotana, part of the upscale MNF Square development, reflects the growing sophistication of the region’s hospitality infrastructure.

The gala ceremony is expected to have a significant impact on the travel and tourism sector by fostering collaboration, inspiring innovation, and enhancing the global competitiveness of African and Indian Ocean destinations.

Recognition at the WTA is widely regarded as a mark of excellence that boosts credibility and attracts international travellers.

As the countdown continues, the region’s hospitality community is preparing to welcome guests from around the world for a night where celebration, networking, and future partnerships converge.

The Africa & Indian Ocean Gala is also the first stop on the 2025 World Travel Awards Grand Tour, which will continue in Cancún, Saint Lucia, Hong Kong, Sardinia, Dubai, and culminate with the Grand Final in Bahrain.

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