World Travel Awards (WTA) has announced that Zanzibar will host its Africa Gala Ceremony 2026. The VIP reception on 28 August 2026 will take place at the luxury Diamonds Bijoux, and bring together leaders from across Africa to celebrate the finest organisations in travel and tourism.
The evening marks the first of two landmark WTA events to be held in Tanzania in 2026. The country will go on to host the WTA Grand Final Gala Ceremony in November, marking the climax of WTA’s Grand Tour 2026, and cementing Tanzania’s position as one of the world’s most dynamic and exciting travel destinations.
Zanzibar, an archipelago nestled in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean off Tanzania’s coast, is renowned for its powder-white beaches, aromatic spice plantations, and UNESCO-listed Stone Town. A destination that blends Swahili, Arab and Portuguese heritage, it has rapidly emerged as one of Africa’s most captivating destinations.
Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, says: “We are thrilled to stage our Africa Gala Ceremony in Zanzibar, a destination that belongs on every traveller’s bucket list. Diamonds Bijoux provides the perfect backdrop – a world-class venue that embodies the elegance and warmth Zanzibar is famous for. The fact that Tanzania will host not one but two of our most prestigious events in 2026 is a powerful statement about the incredible strength and depth of this country’s tourism sector and its trajectory. I wish to thank Visit Zanzibar, Tanzania Tourist Board and the Government of Tanzania for their support, faith and trust in making this event happen.”
Arif Abbas, Executive Secretary, Commission for Tourism Zanzibar, says: “Zanzibar is delighted to be the Official Host Destination of World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony 2026. This is an opportunity Zanzibar has long been waiting for, amplifying and elevating our efforts we have been implementing as a destination. We look forward to hosting the leaders of travel in Zanzibar on 28 August 2026.”
The WTA Africa Gala Ceremony 2026 will see winners recognised across a wide range of categories spanning hotels, airlines, tour operators and destinations. The evening forms part of WTA’s Grand Tour, an annual series of red carpet events hosted across each continent, culminating in the Grand Final in Tanzania in November.
WTA was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the WTA brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence.
