Diamonds Bijoux Zanzibar, the island archipelago’s new luxury retreat, will play host to the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony 2026, bringing together senior travel figures from across the continent to celebrate the year’s top tourism organisations.
Luxury venue on Zanzibar’s south‑east coast
Opened in January 2026, Diamonds Bijoux is described by organisers as a five‑star, all‑inclusive resort located along Zanzibar’s south‑east shoreline. The property blends contemporary design with Swahili‑Arabic architectural influences and markets itself on comfort, privacy and understated luxury.
Zanzibar, an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean, is famed for its powder‑white beaches, spice plantations and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town. The islands’ blend of Swahili, Arab and Portuguese cultural influences has helped position it as one of Africa’s most sought‑after travel destinations.
What organisers and leaders say
“We are thrilled to stage our Africa Gala Ceremony in Zanzibar, a destination that belongs on every traveller’s bucket list,” said Graham Cooke, Founder of the World Travel Awards.
Cooke said Diamonds Bijoux provides an appropriate backdrop for the event and that he was looking forward to welcoming senior industry representatives from across Africa to the ceremony.
The President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, H.E. Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, emphasised tourism’s role in the islands’ economy, citing its contribution to growth, employment, investment and international visibility. The president said hosting the awards reflects Zanzibar’s growing stature as a leading African tourism destination celebrated for its beaches, cultural heritage and hospitality.
Gianni Mannai, General Manager of Diamonds Bijoux Zanzibar, told organisers that the resort’s idea of luxury extends beyond physical facilities to creating authentic, warm experiences for guests.
Regional significance and likely impacts
The World Travel Awards is a high‑profile industry event that can deliver immediate benefits in visibility and longer‑term gains in investment and visitor numbers. For Zanzibar, hosting the Africa Gala is likely to amplify existing marketing efforts and underline the islands’ credentials as a conference and events destination, as well as a leisure choice.
For the wider African tourism sector, the ceremony provides a platform for networks to strengthen, for destinations and operators to showcase new products, and for regional leaders to discuss trends affecting travel, from infrastructure and hospitality standards to sustainability and cultural tourism.
- Event: World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony 2026
- Host venue: Diamonds Bijoux Zanzibar (opened January 2026)
- Location: Zanzibar archipelago, Indian Ocean (off Tanzania)
- Focus: Celebrate travel and tourism excellence across Africa
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Resort type | Five‑star, all‑inclusive |
| Opening | January 2026 |
| Main draws | Beaches, Swahili‑Arabic design, privacy |
While the announcement is primarily of interest to travel industry insiders, it also signals opportunities for South African travellers and tourism businesses. Increased profile for Zanzibar may translate into new air links, packaged itineraries and cooperative marketing that include other southern and eastern African destinations.
As travel events of this scale take place across the continent, they serve as reminders that investment in hospitality standards, cultural preservation and sustainable tourism development can pay dividends — not only for headline resorts but for the many communities that support visitor experiences.
For South Africans planning regional travel, Zanzibar’s rising profile is an invitation to explore a destination that combines beach leisure with a deep cultural tapestry, while for industry professionals the gala represents an opportunity to engage with peers and discover new partnerships.
