Kenya has once again proven its dominance in African tourism after the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) was crowned the Best Tourism Board in Africa at the Africa Tourism Awards 2025, also known as The Balearica Awards, held in London.
The victory placed Kenya ahead of other strong contenders, including the Egypt Tourism Authority, Rwanda Development Board, South African Tourism, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, and Instituto do Turismo de Cabo Verde.
The award recognised KTB’s creativity, consistency, and commitment to promoting Kenya as a leading global destination for authentic African experiences.
KTB Acting CEO Allan Njoroge said the recognition was a reflection of Kenya’s hard work and growing influence in global tourism.
“The Masai Mara remains our crown jewel and one of the world’s premier safari destinations. Our recognition as best tourism board reflects KTB’s innovative marketing strategies, strategic partnerships and concerted efforts to grow visitor arrivals, boost revenue and create millions of jobs for Kenyans,” Njoroge said.
The Masai Mara National Reserve also brought glory home after being named Africa’s Best Safari Destination. It triumphed over world-famous parks such as Kruger in South Africa, Serengeti in Tanzania, Chobe in Botswana, South Luangwa in Zambia, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
The award highlighted the Mara’s unmatched wildlife encounters, including the world-famous annual wildebeest migration, breathtaking landscapes, and community-led conservation programs that protect nature while benefiting local people.
These victories are more than just awards. They reflect Kenya’s dedication to responsible tourism, environmental conservation, and inclusive growth.
The recognition also shows how much effort industry players, from local communities to the national government, continue to put into strengthening Kenya’s tourism sector.
Beyond the top awards, Kenya earned several commendations that showcased its all-around tourism excellence. KTB’s vibrant campaign, “This is the Real Deal,” received praise in the Best Tourism Video category for capturing Kenya’s beauty and culture in a genuine way.
Kenya was also recognised for Best Country Destination, Nairobi was highlighted as Best City Destination, and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport received recognition as Best International Airport. Together, these honours showed the country’s appeal as a complete tourism package—wildlife, cities, beaches, culture, and modern infrastructure.
The awards were presented on the sidelines of the 2025 World Travel Market (WTM) in London, one of the world’s largest tourism exhibitions. Kenya made a powerful statement at the event with a lively stand that showcased its diverse attractions, from pristine beaches and adventure trails to cultural festivals and eco-tourism projects.
The Kenyan delegation engaged global travel partners, investors, and media, promoting new products and encouraging international visitors to explore Kenya beyond the usual safari circuit.
At the event, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano represented Kenya in a Ministers’ Forum, where she reiterated the country’s leadership in sustainable tourism.
She said Kenya stands ready to lead with sustainable tourism, innovation and strategic partnerships that drive inclusive growth and empower communities.
Miano emphasised that Kenya’s tourism success is rooted in its people, culture, and conservation efforts. She noted that the government continues to support policies that strengthen community-based tourism, protect natural heritage, and attract investment to the sector.
Leave a comment