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Kenyan Tourism Leaders Shine As Africa’s Most Impactful Travel Innovators Receive Continental Recognition
Africa’s tourism industry took centre stage in London as the African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA®) announced the winners of the prestigious 2026 ATTA® for Action Awards during the opening day of Experience Africa, the United Kingdom’s largest travel trade event dedicated exclusively to promoting tourism across Africa.
Now in their third year, the awards have become a benchmark for recognising organisations and individuals who are transforming tourism into a powerful force for environmental conservation, community empowerment, cultural preservation, and economic sustainability. This year’s edition attracted more than 100 entries across ten highly competitive categories, reflecting the growing commitment of Africa’s tourism sector to responsible and impactful travel.
Adding a unique touch to the evening, winners received handcrafted trophies created by the renowned FlipFlopi Project, the East African movement celebrated globally for building the world’s first sailing dhow made entirely from recycled plastic. The trophies symbolised the very spirit of innovation, sustainability, and environmental stewardship that the awards seek to honour.
Kenya emerged as one of the evening’s biggest success stories, with several tourism pioneers earning top honours. Gamewatchers Safaris secured the coveted Earthkeepers Award, while its renowned Porini Safari Camps brand won the Eco-Innovation Award, making history as the first organisation to claim two awards in a single year. Sirikoi Lodge continued Kenya’s strong showing by winning the Zero Waste Trailblazer Award, while The Safari Collection was recognised with the Collaborative Impact Award. Travel4Purpose rounded off Kenya’s remarkable performance by receiving the Emerging Changemaker Award.
Beyond Kenya, the awards highlighted exceptional achievements from across the continent and beyond. Madagascar’s TAMàNA captured the Purpose & People Award, Tanzania’s Nomad Tanzania earned the Community Upliftment Award, while South Africa’s andBeyond won the Marine Impact Award. In a rare and well-deserved tie, Blood Lions and Marine Dynamics shared the Traveller Education and Awareness Award, reflecting the outstanding impact both organisations have made in inspiring responsible travel and conservation awareness. The Media Voice for Action Award was presented to Marco Barneveld of Wide Oyster Media in the Netherlands for his influential storytelling and advocacy.
The awards celebrate much more than good intentions. Each entry was assessed against rigorous criteria focusing on measurable impact and tangible outcomes. Judges examined initiatives ranging from ethical wildlife conservation and marine protection to circular economy innovations, community development projects, and traveller education programmes that are making a real difference on the ground.
This year’s winners also showcased a remarkable consistency in driving change. Gamewatchers Safaris’ double victory highlighted nearly three decades of dedication to conservation-led tourism, while TAMàNA strengthened its growing reputation as a sustainability leader after previously winning the Eco-Innovation Award in 2025. Marine Dynamics similarly joined an elite group of repeat winners, demonstrating excellence across multiple areas of conservation and traveller engagement.
Speaking during the awards ceremony, ATTA® Group CEO Virginia Messina praised the winners for demonstrating how tourism can serve as one of Africa’s most powerful catalysts for positive transformation. She noted that African tourism businesses have long been pioneers in responsible tourism practices, often developing innovative solutions well before they gain global recognition.
The 2026 ATTA® for Action Awards reinforce ATTA®’s broader mission of advancing responsible tourism throughout Africa while equipping tourism stakeholders with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration needed to create lasting positive impact. As the industry continues to evolve, the awards serve as a reminder that the future of African tourism lies in protecting the continent’s people, wildlife, cultures, and natural environments while creating meaningful opportunities for communities.
With sustainability increasingly shaping traveller choices worldwide, the achievements recognised at this year’s awards demonstrate that Africa is not merely participating in the global responsible tourism conversation—it is helping to lead it. The 2026 winners stand as shining examples of how tourism can successfully balance profitability with purpose, ensuring that future generations continue to benefit from the continent’s extraordinary natural and cultural heritage.
For the full list of winners and finalists, visit the ATTA® for Action Awards 2026 platform.
ABOUT ATTA®
ATTA® (The African Travel and Tourism Association) is the leading pan-African trade association promoting tourism to Africa and the Indian Ocean islands. Known as the “Voice of African Tourism,” ATTA® serves over 900 member businesses, including accommodation providers, tour operators, and travel specialists. It provides accurate industry news, hosts networking events and trade shows, and delivers valuable member training and resources. For more information, visit atta.travel.
Join the ATTA® Media Network to gain access to news about tourism in Africa, access to spokespeople and thought leaders and other media benefits. Email media@atta.travel for details.
About ATTA Group Events:
ATTA Group Events is the foremost platform for connecting African suppliers with top international buyers at various shows. Promoting an expansive range of travel products and unique experiences from across Africa, ATTA Group Events hosts B2B events that are not just a meeting ground but a catalyst for forging essential industry connections, making these #ThePlaceToConnect for the African tourism industry.
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