World Travel Market Africa (WTM Africa) has announced the six finalists in the new ‘Reigniting Africa’ award category for its WTM Africa Travel & Tourism Awards. The final winner will be announced, 27 September. Megan Oberholzer, portfolio director of travel, tourism and creative industries at Reed Exhibitions, said: “The judges were highly impressed by the quality of the submissions received for this new and exciting award category. The submissions were a true testimony of the passion, dedication and resilience of our incredible industry”. The six finalists are (in alphabetic order):
- #NatureStaycation by Cape Nature
- andBeyond connect by andBeyond
- Educate, Engage and Encourage Travel by Marine Dynamics
- The Art of Penguin Conservation by Afrioceans / Shark Warrior Adventures
- The Africa Hub by The Africa Hub
- Uthando means LOVE by Uthando
The judges’ panel included:
- Septi M. Bukula – founder and director of Seeza Tourism SME Network, and acting chair of the Tourism Growth & Transformation Committee (TBCSA)
- Naledi Khabo – CEO of Africa Tourism Association
- Clare Dewhirst – founder and director of City Nation Place
- Dionne Mudie – MD: The Publicity Workshop
- Gabriella Ribeiro – owner of TRUmarketing
Oberholzer concluded: “The six finalists all made meaningful contributions to address the impacts of Covid-19. They delivered incredibly impactful, story-driven Covid-19 campaigns and creative narratives that really brought Africa to life”.
