Excitement is building ahead of the most eagerly-anticipated event during Indaba 2008, the first ‘World Travel Awards Africa Ceremony’, to be attended by the reigning King of the Zulu nation, His Majesty King Zwelithini Goodwill kaBhekuzulu.
The prestigious ceremony, held in partnership with the International Convention Centre, Durban, will take place at 7pm on Monday 12 May.

One of Africa’s favourite female stars, Gerry Rantselli, is to host the awards. And one of Africa’s most popular bands, Freshlyground, will play, as well as new classical music sensations, Sterling EQ.

Graham Cooke, President, World Travel Awards (pictured) says: “Durban is a magnificent place to host the first-ever World Travel Awards Africa Ceremony. It is a city that typifies all that is great about this incredible country and one of the host cities of the 2010 World Cup. The warmth and hospitality of the African people never ceases to amaze and overwhelm me. I look forward to an evening of 1001 stars at the ceremony.”

Up to 400 VIP’s and leading travel industry figures from across the continent and beyond will be attending the event. The evening will honour, value and recognise the excellence of the African travel and tourism industry.

Manon Han, World Travel Awards Executive Vice President says: “It is a measure of the event’s overall significance in the African travel and tourism industry that His Majesty the King has graciously agreed to open the ceremony.”

She adds: “The role of World Travel Awards has successfully evolved globally over these past 15 years since its inception. But the ceremony here in Africa is a moment for all African travel companies and organisations to review their progress and examine how best to move forward.”

“We hope that World Travel Awards can in some modest way, play a role in stimulating Africa’s travel and tourism industry to go forward to the next stage of development, ultimately yielding an increase in profitability and, of course an expansion in jobs.”

The winners of the awards in Africa have been judged on a range of business dynamics, notably an understanding of visitor needs, outstanding business performance and product development.

There are a total of 75 categories to be presented: travel operators, airlines, hotels, resorts and destinations in Botswana, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Egypt, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Zambia and Zimbabwe as well as the overall African continent categories.

Up to 400 VIPs and travel industry leaders are expected at the event in Durban including Mr. Moeketsi Mosola, CEO, South African Tourism; James Wilson, Chief Executive, Dubai World Africa; Mr. Miller Matola, CEO, Durban’s International Convention Centre; Ms. Mato Madlal, Chairperson, ICC’s Board of Directors.

The Africa event is part of a World Travel Awards Grand Tour with regional awards staged throughout the world, ending with a Winners Dinner in London on 9 November and a Grand Final at Turks & Caicos in the Caribbean on 12 December 2008.

To see all nominations for the World Travel Awards Africa Ceremony 2008 visit www.worldtravelawards.com
——-