Tanzania Named Africa’s Leading Destination at the 2026 World Travel Awards

Often styled as the Oscars of Tourism, the accolades are decided by a global vote spanning industry professionals, travel experts, and the public. This year’s ceremony distributed major continental honours across East and South Africa, spotlighting both vast wildlife sanctuaries and sophisticated urban infrastructure.

Tanzania Sweeps Continental Nature and Wildlife Categories

Host nation Tanzania dominated the natural attraction categories, leveraging its globally recognized conservation areas. Serengeti National Park captured both Africa’s Leading National Park 2026 and Africa’s Leading Big 5 National Park 2026, buoyed by its vast savannahs and the Great Wildebeest Migration. Other notable victors included Kilimanjaro National Park as Africa’s Leading Mountain National Park, Nyerere National Park as Africa’s Leading Scenic National Park, and Tarangire National Park, which earned the title of Africa’s Leading Elephant Paradise National Park.

Zanzibar itself was named Africa’s Leading Beach Destination 2026, while the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism secured Africa’s Leading Regional Tourist Board. Meanwhile, the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) defended its crown as Africa’s Leading Tourist Board for the fifth consecutive year, maintaining a winning streak that spans 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and now 2026.

“For us, this award is a sign that we are doing well, but we must step up our efforts so that, ultimately, we can win the Africa’s Leading Tourist Board award.”

Dr. Thereza Mugobi, DG – TTBDAR ES SALAAM

Cape Town Claims Dual Honors for Leisure and Business

While Tanzania commanded the safari categories, Cape Town walked away with a rare double triumph at the Zanzibar ceremony. The South African city was named Africa’s Leading City Destination and Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination.

Cape Town Tourism CEO Enver Duminy emphasized the weight of securing both trophies simultaneously.

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“Winning one of these is a good night. Winning both is a statement.”

Enver Duminy, CEO of Cape Town Tourism

Duminy noted that business tourism acts as an economic multiplier, explaining that delegates frequently extend their stays beyond formal meetings. Visitors come for the conference but stay longer for the conversation, he observed. A visitor becomes a tourist, a trader and ultimately an investor.

Economic Momentum and Air Connectivity Drive Growth

According to Cape Town Tourism figures, arrivals at Cape Town International Airport from elsewhere on the African continent surged by 17% in 2025, positioning intra-African travel as the city’s fastest-growing visitor segment. Over the same timeframe, foreign visitor spend rose by 18%.

James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth and Tourism, pointed out that business events provide crucial off-season stability.

“Business events are among our most valuable visitors. They arrive midweek and out of season, spend across the city, and bring decision-makers who can return with investment.”

James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth and Tourism

To sustain this momentum, municipal authorities are targeting expanded aviation links. Cape Town maintains direct connections to 31 international destinations, with ongoing negotiations focused on securing additional flight routes and forging global city-to-city partnerships.

Global Grand Finals Await Regional Champions

With the regional phase concluded in Zanzibar, the spotlight shifts to the international stage. Continental winners from Africa, including Tanzania’s diverse park operators and Cape Town’s tourism administration, will now advance to the World Travel Awards Grand Final later this year. There, they will compete against regional victors from Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East for ultimate global supremacy.