24 September 2012 - Hindustan Times
The World Travel Awards has unveiled the list of winners for the African region, revealing the most popular travel brands and destinations across the continent for 2012. South Africa and Morocco were the clear winners scooping most of the awards.
The World Travel Awards, also known as the Oscars of the travel industry, unveiled the winners for 2012 early this week following pre-selection of nominees in over 50 categories by travel industry experts. These include best travel destination, best airline and best tourists attraction. Members of the public were then asked to vote to select the winners for each category. Africa's winners will go head-to-head with the winners from other regions and compete for the best of the world awards.
The world winners will be announced at a ceremony in New Delhi, India on December 12.
Voters selected South African Airways as the best airline and O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg was selected as the best international airport in the continent.
Morocco's popularity continues to grow, and the country was selected as the best destination, with the luxury Royal Mansour in Marrakech named as Africa's best hotel, and the Amanjena, also in Marrakech, voted as the continent's favorite luxury resort.
The pyramid of Giza in Egypt was selected as the most popular tourist attraction. Africa's leading safari lodge was given to the Shamwai Game reserve in South Africa.
Other winners include:
Africa's Leading Beach Destination: Cape Town, South Africa
Africa's Leading Beach Hotel: Diamonds Dream of Africa Resort, Kenya
Africa's Leading Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean International
Africa's Leading Green Hotel: The Phantom Forest Eco-reserve, South Africa
Africa's Leading Low-Cost Airline: 1time
Source: Hindustan Times