Kwale County Government seeks to promote the coastal county as a significant hub for tourism following the scooping of several prestigious awards by the World Travel Awards (WTA) 2024.
WTA was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward, and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry.
Today, the WTA brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.
In the awards ceremony held at the Diamonds Leisure Beach and Golf Resort, Diani Public Beach, which boasts of swaying palm trees, white sandy shores, and turquoise waters, was recognised as ‘Africa’s leading beach destination’ for the eighth year in a row.
Other achievements for Kwale County were Leopard Beach Resort and Spa, which was ranked as Africa’s Leading Hotel Residences 2024; Baobab Resort and Spa, voted as Africa’s Leading Family Resort 2024; and the idyllic Chale Island, voted as Africa’s Leading Private Island Resort 2024.
Diamonds Leisure Beach and Golf Resort was also named Kenya’s Leading Resort and Africa’s Leading Resort for the second year in a row at the 2024 World Travel Awards ceremony.
Governor Fatuma Achani termed the achievements during the 31st annual world travel awards ceremony as an honour for the county, its leadership, and all the tourism stakeholders.
Achani says the devolved government will use the awards to boost tourist arrivals, stating that her administration is committed to bettering the tourism sector since it’s a major economic contributor in the coastal region.
“We are happy that our enchanting landscapes, the cultural richness, exclusive tourism facilities, and exquisite hospitality services continue to be recognised worldwide,” she said.
She noted that the World Travel Awards serve to acknowledge, reward, and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry.
The Governor says Diani is now a super-priority and a much sought-after tourism destination in Kenya as it continues to receive holidaymakers arriving to savour its pristine white sandy beaches and tropical ambience.
The stunning stretch of sand and sea at Diani Beach offers something for everyone, from swimming to sunbathing to relaxation.
Achani says Diani, with its accessibility and diverse offerings, makes it a popular choice for those looking to unwind by the sea.
She says the devolved government will go out of its way to market the region and attract high-spending tourists to experience the pristine beaches, unmatched hospitality with exquisite accommodations, and the idyllic beauty of the Indian Ocean.
“We call upon international and domestic holidaymakers to visit Diani and experience its natural beauty and splendour even as we increase our efforts to promote sustainable tourism,” she said.
Achani says the coastal county will continue to promote eco-friendly and sustainable tourism to enhance the quality of the visitors’ experiences.
She called for increased private sector involvement in the tour, travel, and hospitality industries, promising her commitment to creating an enabling environment for the sector to flourish.
Achani took the opportunity to thank all the investors who have already chosen Kwale and extended a warm invitation to others in various sectors to come and invest in the coastal county.
“We want to thank all tourism stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to make sure Diani Beach emerges as the best beach destination in Africa, and my administration is devoted to bettering the sector through partnerships,” she said.
Andrew Cook, the General Manager, Diamonds Leisure Beach and Golf Resort, welcomed the awards, stating that the achievements will in the long run support the development and promotion of the tourism industry and attractions sites in Kwale and Kenya in general.
Dr. Sam Ikwaye, the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC) coast branch executive officer, noted that stakeholders are keen to promote tourism as a driver of economic growth and comprehensive development.
Dr. Ikwaye says stakeholders in the tourism businesses are basking in the glory of the awards and will use it to market Diani as a predominantly sea and sun destination.
He says Diani Beach is the perfect place to spend a dream holiday in the sun in a blissful setting where sea, sun, and palm trees come together in perfect harmony.
By Hussein Abdullahi
