Kenya has received the top award for African travel. The East African country has been named Africa’s leading tourist destination in 2020 by the World Travel Awards.

The WTA award recognizes and rewards excellence in travel and tourism.  Kenya emerged this year’s winner as the votes came reeling in from industry professionals and the public

Kenya has seen a steady increase in its travel and tourism sector over the last decade.  Tourism and travel sector contributed at least 3.7% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2016 and around 6% in 2017.

Among other categories, Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi ranked the top spot as Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre. Nairobi was named Africa’s Leading Business Travel Destination in 2020  beating its strong competitor Cape Town, South Africa, which came out on top as Africa’s Leading Festival and Event Destination award, as well as Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction in 2020 award.

In aviation, Ethiopian Airlines won the award for Africa’s Leading Airline award. Cape Town International Airport won the award for Africa’s Leading Airport.

In Kenya, Maasai Mara Game Reserve, Samburu National Reserve, Shimba Hills National Reserve, Sweet Waters Game Reserve, and Tsavo National Park were named among the country’s top safari destinations.