There are few places more evocative than Zanzibar at sunset. As the Indian Ocean glows in shades of amber and sapphire, spice-scented breezes drift through swaying palms and the island’s centuries-old trading heritage meets a new era of luxury hospitality. It is a fitting setting for one of travel’s most prestigious celebrations.

On 28 August, the global tourism industry will gather at the spectacular Diamonds Bijoux Resort in Zanzibar for the first World Travel Awards event of 2026 – the Africa Gala Ceremony. Bringing together the continent’s leading hoteliers, destination marketers, tourism ministers, airlines and hospitality innovators, the evening promises far more than a glittering awards presentation. It is a celebration of a continent enjoying one of the most remarkable periods of growth in modern tourism.