Kenya’s profile as a preferred tourist destination has received a boost with the Kenya Tourism Board winning the bid to host this year’s World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony.

The event will take place on October 16th.

The WTA nominations will recognise excellence in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry, thus encouraging nominees to uphold constant improvement in products and delivery of service.

The decision to host the event in Kenya comes hot on the heels of KTB’s award as Africa’s Leading Tourism Board by WTA in December last year.

“World Travel Awards is coming to Kenya at the right time after a successful and peaceful general election under a new constitution.

“This has further raised the country’s profile as a safe destination,” said KTB managing director Muriithi Ndegwa.

“That WTA has chosen Kenya for the African region ceremony as part of the world grand tour, is an endorsement of the country as a preferred tourism destination in the world.”

Kenya is located in East Africa and boasts white sandy beaches bathed by the Indian Ocean as well as the majestic snow-capped Mount Kenya.

It is increasingly emerging as an Adventure destination offering activities from hot air ballooning, to authentic cultural interactions with the local ethnic communities, as well as visits to the world renowned Masai Mara, with breath taking safaris and wildebeest migrations, supported by a miscellany of unique superior class accommodation.

WTA president Graham Cooke added:  “The selection of our hosts is fundamental to the success of our awards programme, and Kenya as a nation has all the ingredients to rise to the challenge of hosting our Africa Ceremony – a warm, vibrant and progressive nation, brimming with enthusiasm and creativity.

“Tourism is vital to Kenya’s economy, contributing 12 per cent to its GDP and sustaining one in ten jobs.

“The future is bright for Kenya, given the nation’s overwhelming natural resources, its unrivalled wildlife experiences and pristine beaches.”

For further details, including entry forms and closing deadlines for nominations, visit the official website.

The ceremonies are widely regarded as possibly the best networking opportunities in the travel industry, attended by government and industry leaders, luminaries, and international print and broadcast media.

The 2012 WTA Grand Tour ceremonies were attended by more than 3,000 guests from 92 countries, as well as media from 194 TV channels and publications.