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South Africa has once again demonstrated the depth of its tourism offering, taking home a string of major continental titles at the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony 2026 held at the new Diamonds Bijoux Zanzibar on 28 August 2026.
Cape Town had a particularly strong showing with two big wins this year, being named Africa’s Leading City Destination and Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination, while the Port of Cape Town collected Africa’s Leading Cruise Port.
While Tanzania dominated the destination categories – taking home Africa’s Leading Destination, as well as titles for its tourist board, national parks and Zanzibar – South Africa was particularly strong across accommodation, safari, business events, aviation and destination experiences, with FlySafair named Africa's Leading Low-Cost Airline.
Commenting on the win, Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair, says, "This recognition is a reflection of everything our team puts into the job every single day. Africa's Leading Low-Cost Airline is not a small claim. We compete against carriers from across a vast and diverse continent, and to come out on top in a category voted on by travel professionals and passengers means a great deal."
Durban also continued its strong record in the business-events sector, with Durban ICC named Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre. In a social media statement, the Durban ICC states: “Since opening our doors in 1997, we’ve had the privilege of welcoming the world to Durban, hosting global leaders, international conferences, exhibitions, major events and unforgettable experiences…21 wins. Nearly three decades of excellence. And we’re only getting started!”
Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve was named Africa's Leading Private Game Reserve, while Silvan Safari took the title of Africa's Leading Luxury Lodge. The Silo Hotel was named Africa’s Leading Design Hotel; the Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa was named Africa’s Leading Luxury Boutique Hotel with its Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite taking Africa’s Leading Hotel Suite; while Park Hyatt Johannesburg took Africa’s Leading New Hotel.
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The rest of Africa brought serious competition
South Africa was not alone in showing off a formidable tourism offering.
Tanzania was the standout destination of the night, winning Africa's Leading Destination and Africa's Leading Tourist Board. Zanzibar claimed both Africa's Leading Beach Destination and Africa's Leading Festival & Event Destination, while Diamonds Bijoux Zanzibar – which opened in January 2026 – was named Africa's Leading New Resort.
Kenya also had a strong night, with Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club named Africa's Leading Hotel, while Kenya Airways collected Africa's Leading Airline and Africa's Leading Airline – Economy Class.
Other continental winners included Chem Chem Lodge for Africa's Leading Luxury Safari Lodge, LUX Marijani* for Africa's Leading Green Hotel and The Mora Zanzibar for Africa's Most Romantic Resort.
Graham Cooke, Founder of the World Travel Awards, says, “It has been a privilege to welcome our winners from across Africa to this extraordinary celebration in Zanzibar…Our winners represent the very best of the travel and tourism sector, and we congratulate them on their achievements in helping to shape its future.”
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Full list of South African winners in the Africa-wide categories
The awards included some familiar South African favourites, alongside newer names and experiences. South African winners in the Africa-wide categories were:
- Africa’s Leading Boutique Hotel: Lanzerac, South Africa
- Africa’s Leading City Destination: Cape Town, South Africa
- Africa’s Leading Cruise Port: Port of Cape Town, South Africa
- Africa’s Leading Design Hotel: The Silo Hotel, South Africa
- Africa’s Leading Distillery Tour: Inverroche Distillery, South Africa
- Africa’s Leading Hotel Suite: Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite @ Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa, South Africa
- Africa’s Leading Low-Cost Airline: FlySafair, South Africa
- Africa’s Leading Luxury Boutique Hotel: Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa, South Africa
- Africa’s Leading Luxury Lodge: Silvan Safari, South Africa
- Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre: Durban ICC, South Africa
- Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination: Cape Town, South Africa
- Africa’s Leading New Hotel: Park Hyatt Johannesburg, South Africa
- Africa’s Leading Private Game Reserve: Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, South Africa
- Africa’s Leading Travel Management Company: Rennies BCD Travel, South Africa
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The ceremony marked the opening leg of the World Travel Awards Grand Tour 2026, with further ceremonies planned in the Maldives, Jamaica, Montenegro, and the United Arab Emirates before the Grand Final in Tanzania in December.
So, what's on your travel bucket list?
The country’s award-winning offerings provide plenty of inspiration for your next trip. Now all that's left to do is choose where to go first!
For the full list of winners, including those in the South African categories, check out the Africa Travel Awards Winners List.
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