Kenya has been named Africa’s leading tourist destination 2020 by the World Travel Awards (WTA).

Kenya Tourist Board (KTB), the state tourism marketing agency, said on Tuesday that the announcement was made during the inaugural Africa Winners Day.

The WTA is the global initiative to recognise and reward excellence in travel and tourism, honouring the best from across the continent.

At the same time, Destination Kenya won Africa’s leading destination management company 2020 and KTB won Africa’s leading tourist Board.

Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, was named ‘Africa’s Leading Business Travel Destination’, and Kenyatta International Convention Centre collected ‘Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre.’

Aberdare Country Club, Kenya, was voted ‘Africa’s Leading Green Hotel’ while Boabab beach resort & Spa won, Africa’s leading Family Resort.

Kenya Airways picked up both ‘Africa’s Leading Airline – Business Class’ and ‘Africa’s Leading Airline – Economy Class’.

KTB Chairman Jimi Kariuki lauded the win as a big motivator to Kenya’s tourism industry which had suffered from the effects of Covid-19.

“This is a big encouragement to everybody in the tourism sector and shows that even as we go through this difficult time, Kenya still remains the top destination in Africa.

“I take this opportunity to congratulate all the Kenyan winners, including KTB, which won Africa’s leading tourist Board,” he added

“We shall continue with our efforts to see that Kenya is always at the top in tourism offering.”

NAN