Diamonds in the Rough: Zanzibar to Shine at World Travel Awards
The beautiful island of Zanzibar is set to host the highly anticipated World Travel Awards (WTA) Africa Gala Ceremony on August 28, 2026, at the luxurious Diamonds Bijoux Zanzibar resort. This stunning venue, which opened its doors in January 2026, promises to bring together leaders from across Africa’s travel and tourism sectors to honor excellence and innovation in the industry.
WTA is renowned for celebrating the achievements in the tourism realm, and this gala marks a significant milestone as it will be the third event hosted in partnership with Diamonds Resorts. Previous ceremonies took place at Diamonds La Gemma dell'Est in 2016 and at Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort, Diani Beach, Kenya, in 2024. As Graham Cooke, the founder of WTA, notes, the event is a ground-breaking opportunity to showcase the fresh elegance of Diamonds Bijoux to industry leaders.
Why Zanzibar is the Perfect Host
Zanzibar, a picturesque archipelago in the Indian Ocean, is famed for its powder-white beaches and rich history. The island blends Swahili, Arab, and Portuguese cultures, making it one of Africa’s most captivating destinations. According to Arif Abbas, Executive Secretary of the Commission for Tourism Zanzibar, hosting the WTA Gala Ceremony is much more than an event; it’s a dream come true, helping to amplify the island's reputation as a premier travel destination.
An Evening of Celebration and Recognition
The gala will recognize winners across various categories including hotels, airlines, tour operators, and popular travel spots. This celebratory evening is part of WTA's Grand Tour, a series of glamorous events held worldwide, which this year will culminate in Tanzania. For travelers looking to explore the beauty and culture of Zanzibar, the WTA ceremony represents an exciting reason to visit this exotic locale.
As the anticipation builds for 2026, those passionate about travel should consider planning ahead to experience the luxury and splendor of the event and the enchanting atmosphere of Zanzibar itself!
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