Kenyan firms shine at World Travel Awards

Kenya airways Marketing Director Chris Diaz (right) leads the airline’s team in receiving Africa’s airline of the Year award in Zanzibar on Friday last week.

NAIROBI: Kenya stole the show at the 23rd edition of the World Trade Awards Africa and Indian Ocean gala ceremony. The country swept 23 of the 57 awards at the event held in Zanzibar.

Surprisingly, Kenya Airways was declared Africa’s leading airline 2016 against all the turbulence it has faced in the recent past and for the fourth year running retained its grip as the continent’s leading airline in the business class.

Kenya’s capital Nairobi, the hub of Kenya Airways, emerged Africa’s leading meetings and Conference destination, while Mombasa had twin recognition as Africa’s leading destination and Africa’s leading cruise port.

The Maasai Mara National Reserve, famous for annual wildebeest migration, was voted Africa’s leading national park.

In the hotel’s category, Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club was rated Africa’s leading hotel, while Africa’s leading Design Hotel award went to The Tribe Hotel in Gigiri and Diani Beach Resort in the South Coast ran away with Africa’s leading beach destination.

Nairobi Serena was Africa’s leading Green Hotel, while Radisson Blu in Nairobi’s Upper Hill emerged as Africa’s leading New Hotel. Leopard Beach Resort and Spa in the South Coast was declared Africa’s leading Family Hotel and Finch Hattons Kenya won Africa’s leading Tented Safari Camp award. Nairobi’s FCM Travel Solutions was Africa’s leading travel management company while Abercombie and Kent bagged Africa’s leading tour operator.

Elsewhere, Ethiopian Airlines was feted as Africa’s leading Economy class airline. Africa’s leading airport was won by South Africa’s O.R Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

Zanzibar’s Diamond’s La Gemma dell’Est Resort that hosted the gala was tops among Africa’s leading beach resorts. Transcom Hilton Abuja in Nigeria shone as Africa’s leading business hotel.

Speaking to The Standard on the sidelines of the gala, Kenya Airways Marketing Director Chris Diaz, who represented Chief Executive Officer Mbuvi Ngunze, said the snatching of Africa’s Best Airline award from the dominance of South African Airways was the best indicator that the Pride of Africa was reclaiming its prestigious place on the continent.

“This is sign enough that we are putting the dark clouds behind us to cruise unimpeded as Africa’s most respected airline,” he said.

“It is not the size that has made us soar again, but our distinct class and quality in aircraft, trained staff, excellent cuisine, new lounges and unequaled warmth,” said Mr Diaz, who was accompanied at the gala by Brand Manager Elizabeth Yoga, Kenya Country Manager Richard Omoro and Tanzania Country Manager Ruth Maweu.