The global travel and tourism industry is turning its eyes toward Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, as the countdown begins for the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA) Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2025. With just five days to go, excitement is building for what promises to be a night of glamour, celebration, and regional recognition.
Set to take place on Saturday, 28 June 2025, at the exquisite Johari Rotana Hotel, this black-tie event will welcome top leaders and influencers from across Africa and the Indian Ocean. The ceremony forms a key part of the WTA’s Grand Tour 2025 and marks a momentous occasion for Tanzania as it continues to rise as a powerhouse in African tourism.
✨ The World Travel Awards: Recognizing Tourism Excellence
The World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry. Today, it stands as the ultimate hallmark of industry achievement, recognized worldwide by both consumers and professionals.
The Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony honors outstanding contributions across various categories, including:
- Best luxury hotels and resorts
- Leading airlines and airports
- Top safari destinations
- Sustainable tourism initiatives
- Premier travel agencies and tour operators
This prestigious awards program is not only a platform for recognition but also plays a significant role in promoting and encouraging excellence and innovation within the industry.
🏨 Host Venue: Johari Rotana, Dar es Salaam
The 2025 edition of the Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony will be held at the luxurious Johari Rotana Hotel, one of Tanzania’s premier five-star hospitality landmarks. Overlooking the breathtaking Indian Ocean and situated within the vibrant MNF Square development, the hotel offers a fitting venue for a night of grandeur.
Guests can expect a world-class experience, featuring:
- A stylish cocktail reception at 19:00, allowing guests to network and unwind.
- A three-hour formal dinner and awards ceremony starting at 20:00.
- Lavish décor, exceptional cuisine, and an electric atmosphere of celebration and pride.
Dress Code: Guests are encouraged to attend in black tie or traditional national dress, infusing cultural elegance into the night.
🌟 Tanzania Takes the Spotlight
This year’s choice of Tanzania as the host nation is no coincidence. The East African country has made significant strides in positioning itself as a leading tourism destination.
From the iconic peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro to the sweeping savannas of the Serengeti, and the crystal-clear waters of Zanzibar, Tanzania offers one of the most diverse and captivating travel experiences in the world.
Hosting the WTA Gala Ceremony reflects:
- Tanzania’s growing prominence in African tourism
- Commitment to hospitality excellence
- Government and private sector efforts to develop sustainable tourism
According to Graham Cooke, Founder of the World Travel Awards, “Tanzania’s tourism industry has seen impressive growth and innovation. It’s only fitting that Dar es Salaam be the stage for this year’s Africa & Indian Ocean celebration.”
🛫 Who Will Be There?
The event will bring together the who’s who of the travel industry, including:
- Government tourism ministers
- Airline and hotel CEOs
- Tour operators and DMCs (Destination Management Companies)
- Travel bloggers and influencers
- International media
Nominees across key categories have been eagerly anticipating the outcome, hoping to walk away with the iconic WTA trophy—a globally recognized symbol of excellence.
🎯 What to Expect on the Night
Guests attending the 2025 WTA Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony can look forward to:
- A luxurious red carpet arrival
- Award presentations across dozens of competitive categories
- A gourmet three-course dinner
- Live entertainment, showcasing local Tanzanian music and cultural performances
- Premium networking opportunities with global industry players
The entire event will be captured by international media, offering massive exposure for Tanzania’s tourism gems and industry leaders.
🌐 Part of a Global Tour
The Dar es Salaam event kicks off the WTA Grand Tour 2025, which will celebrate regional winners at destinations across the globe, including:
- Cancún (North America)
- Saint Lucia (Caribbean)
- Hong Kong (Asia)
- Sardinia (Europe)
- Dubai (Middle East)
The tour will culminate in a Grand Final in Bahrain, where global winners will be crowned.
Being the launchpad for the 2025 tour puts Tanzania at the forefront of global travel conversations.
✈️ Travel Tips for Attendees
For international and regional guests flying in for the event, here are a few travel tips:
- Airport: Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) offers convenient international connections.
- Visa: Most attendees can apply for a visa on arrival or e-visa via the Tanzanian immigration portal.
- Accommodation: While Johari Rotana is the official host, nearby five-star hotels like Hyatt Regency and Serena Hotel also provide premium stays.
- Weather: June marks the dry season—expect sunny days and cool nights, perfect for sightseeing before or after the event.
💡 Why This Event Matters for Africa & the Indian Ocean
This gala ceremony is not just a night of celebration—it’s a powerful statement about the growth and resilience of the African and Indian Ocean travel markets.
In recent years, the region has faced economic challenges, climate concerns, and post-pandemic recovery. Yet, through innovation, partnership, and excellence, the tourism industry has shown remarkable strength.
Events like the World Travel Awards help:
- Reinforce regional tourism branding
- Foster public-private partnerships
- Promote cultural heritage and sustainability
- Drive consumer confidence and investment
📢 Final Thoughts
The World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2025 is more than an awards night—it’s a celebration of a resilient, vibrant, and evolving region. As leaders gather in Dar es Salaam, all eyes will be on the best of the best in tourism, hospitality, and travel.
With just five days to go, excitement is at its peak. Whether you’re attending in person or following online, this event will undoubtedly shape the travel trends and spotlight destinations to watch in 2025 and beyond.
Don’t miss it.
