W@ssup

Last weekend the ‘Oscars’ of the hospitality industry came calling when Nairobi welcomed over 400 tourism industry leaders drawn from 25 African and Indian Ocean countries at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) for the 29th edition of the annual World Travel Awards (WTA) Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2022.

The WTA was established in 1993 and every year, they cover the globe with a series of gala ceremonies staged to reward and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region.   WTA gala ceremonies are widely regarded as the best networking opportunities in the travel industry, attended by government and industry leaders, luminaries and international print and broadcast media At the KICC, leading travel industry figureheads and decision-makers from Africa and the Indian Ocean attended a red-carpet gala reception.

Founder of WTA, Graham Cooke, expressed his gratitude, noting that they were honoured to be back to Nairobi for the Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony edition, after KICC also hosted the 2020 edition. In his remarks, he described Nairobi as a pulsating city, rich in heritage but with a dynamic, forward-thinking business focus. He also thanked the team at KICC, for the colourful evening.

“I would like to put on record my heartfelt thanks to Nana Gecaga – the KICC’s superstar CEO and her fabulous team, as well as extend my gratitude to our generous event partners and supporting partners. I’ve been travelling the globe for the last 29 years heading up our annual Grand Tour of gala ceremonies. Tonight was among the very best I’ve had the privilege of leading. As the industry bounces back better and stronger, Kenya should take its place at the high table of world-class tourism destinations,” he noted.

In her welcome address, the KICC Chief Executive Officer, Ms Nana Gecaga, warmly welcomed the WTA, noting that as a globally-recognised brand, it is the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.

“We, as a country, are delighted to host this auspicious event. Kenyans are thrilled to showcase our world-renowned culture and hospitality during the gala ceremony as well as ensure our guests have an unforgettable magical experience. To this end, we are working closely with our partners and stakeholders to come up with very attractive packages that will ensure the delegates get an all-rounded Kenyan experience," Ms Nana revealed.

Twenty-five Kenyan nominees who were gunning for gongs in various categories emerged tops at the red-carpet reception in what was a fine outing for Destination Kenya, who bagged the coveted title of ‘African Leading Tourism Destination 2022.

Boasting the singular honour of being the only city in the world with a national park right on its doorstep, in addition to the captivating contrast of towering skyscrapers and historical sites, Nairobi, the vibrant heartbeat of East Africa was fittingly crowned Africa’s Leading Business Travel Destination 2022.

It was perhaps not surprising that KICC, her most famous landmark bagged Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre 2022 in addition to the honour of hosting the prestigious event dubbed in hospitality and travel circles as the ‘Oscars' of the hospitality industry.

The 27-storey icon, strategically located at the heart of the central business district, has defied age and remains the largest conference facility in East and Central Africa for five decades now.

 The next red carpet events on the WTA Grand Tour 2022 will take place in Amman, Jordan (Middle East) followed by Muscat, Oman (Grand Final).