(Posted 04th November 2025)
“Celebrating Excellence, Inspiring Tomorrow”
The Africa Tourism Awards 2025 (The Balearica Awards) took place on Sunday, 2nd November 2025, at the Hilton London Canary Wharf, bringing together leading voices from across the continent and the African diaspora to celebrate excellence and innovation in tourism.
The awards recognised outstanding achievements across 29 categories, highlighting destinations, organisations, and individuals shaping Africa’s global tourism narrative.
Top winners who received the stunning Balearica statuette, designed after the majestic crowned crane, included Kenya Tourism Board (Best Tourism Board), Mauritius (Best Country Destination), Cape Town (Best City Destination), Zanzibar (Best Beach Destination), and Maasai Mara National Park (Best Safari Destination).
The Best Tourism Video and Best Travel Writer awards, sponsored by Brichone Experiences, went to Cape Verde – From the Heart and Sue Watt, respectively.
Among the evening’s special recognitions were Rwanda Development Board for Tourism Infrastructure, Adebayo Adedeji (WAKANOW) for Tourism Innovation, and Ibrahim Ayoub (ITIC Group) for Tourism Investment.
The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award went to Prof. Wolfgang Thome (ATC News) for his decades-long contribution to African tourism journalism.
Individual honours were presented to Hilda Baci (Restaurant Personality of the Year), David Eduaful (Hotel Personality of the Year), and Abubacarr S. Camara (Best Tourism Public Sector Official).
Julie Dabaly Scott, Hamilton Jair Fernandes, Carol Hay, Ola Wright, and Allicia Santos were among those named as Industry Icons for their leadership and impact.
Speaking at the event, Efetobo Awhana, Executive Producer of the Africa Tourism Awards, said:
“Africa Tourism Awards is not just about recognition; it’s about redefining how the world sees Africa. This platform honours those who are building the future of African travel and inspiring tomorrow’s leaders.”
The evening ended with an Afro-Caribbean buffet and live music, closing a memorable night of celebration, culture, and connection.
About Africa Tourism Awards (The Balearica Awards)
The Africa Tourism Awards is the continent’s leading platform honouring excellence, leadership, and innovation in tourism. Guided by the tagline “Celebrating Excellence, Inspiring Tomorrow,” the Awards aim to promote travel to Africa, amplify African tourism stories and inspire sustainable growth across destinations.
Africa Tourism Awards (The Balearica Awards)
Email: hello@africatourismawards.com | Web: www.africatourismawards.com
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