Travel VIPs gather at Diamonds Bijoux Zanzibar for World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony 2026

Diamonds Bijoux, the new flagship luxury resort on the enchanting island of Zanzibar, is making final preparations as it prepares to host the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony 2026. Travel leaders from across Africa will gather for the VIP reception to celebrate the finest organisations in travel and tourism.

Opened in January 2026, Diamonds Bijoux is a luxury all-inclusive retreat set along the shores of Zanzibar’s stunning south-east coast. The five-star resort blends contemporary elegance with authentic Swahili-Arabic design to create a seamless escape, defined by comfort, privacy and understated luxury.

Zanzibar is an archipelago set in the Indian Ocean off Tanzania’s coast and is renowned for its powder-white beaches, aromatic spice plantations and UNESCO-listed Stone Town. Blending Swahili, Arab and Portuguese heritage, it has emerged as one of Africa’s most captivating destinations.

Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, said: “We are thrilled to stage our Africa Gala Ceremony in Zanzibar, a destination that belongs on every traveller’s bucket list. Diamonds Bijoux provides the perfect backdrop – a world-class venue that embodies the elegance and warmth Zanzibar is famous for. I look forward to welcoming the most senior travel industry figureheads from across Africa to experience a slice of paradise.”

The President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, H.E. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has continued to champion tourism as one of Zanzibar’s key economic pillars, recognising its major contribution to the islands’ growth, employment, investment and international visibility. He said: “As Zanzibar prepares to host the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony 2026, this prestigious occasion reflects the growing stature of Zanzibar as one of Africa’s leading tourism destinations celebrated for its pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, fascinating history, warm hospitality and the dedication of its people.”

Gianni Mannai, General Manager, Diamonds Bijoux Zanzibar, said: “At Diamonds Bijoux Zanzibar, luxury is not only about beautiful villas and breathtaking ocean views; it is also about creating authentic moments of warmth, elegance and unforgettable memories inspired by the spirit of Zanzibar.”

The WTA Africa Gala Ceremony 2026 will see winners recognised across a wide range of categories spanning hotels, airlines, tour operators and destinations.

The evening marks the opening leg of WTA’s Grand Tour 2026, a series of red-carpet events hosted in each continent. This year’s destinations include the Maldives, Jamaica, Montenegro and the United Arab Emirates, culminating in the Grand Final in Tanzania.

WTA was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the WTA brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence.

Notes to Editors

About World Travel Awards

World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the WTA brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. For more information, visit worldtravelawards.com.