Latest news with #WorldTravelAwards
Business Insider
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Gold dethroned as tourism emerges Tanzania's top export earner
Tourism has officially overtaken gold as Tanzania's top foreign exchange earner, marking a historic milestone in the country's economic rebound from the pandemic. Tourism has become Tanzania's top foreign exchange earner, surpassing gold. In the year ending May 2025, tourism revenue reached $3.92 billion, contributing 55.1% to service-related earnings. A rise in international tourists to over 2.17 million drove this growth in the sector. Tourism has officially overtaken gold as Tanzania's top foreign exchange earner, marking a historic milestone in the country's economic rebound from the pandemic. The Bank of Tanzania's June 2025 Monthly Economic Review shows that tourism generated $3.92 billion in the year ending May 2025, up from $3.63 billion the year before, now making up 55.1% of all service-related earnings. The earnings placed tourism just ahead of gold, which brought in $3.83 billion over the same period. A surge in international arrivals played a central role in the sector's rise, with visitor numbers reaching 2,170,360, up from 1,961,870 in the prior period. Policy reforms support sector expansion President Samia Suluhu Hassan has played a central role in promoting Tanzania's tourism sector, with her administration introducing targeted policy reforms aimed at easing operational constraints and driving industry growth. On July 8, 2025, the central bank granted tour operators partial exemptions from certain foreign exchange controls, a move widely praised by industry stakeholders. The new exemptions allow tourism operators to use foreign currency for two key purposes: paying for services on behalf of non-resident tourists and acquiring specialised tourism vehicles from local suppliers. The central bank's decision reflects an effort to ease operational bottlenecks while maintaining broader currency stability. The move also signals a broader strategic commitment to tourism as a cornerstone of Tanzania's economic development. With world-renowned attractions like Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, and the beaches of Zanzibar, the country is steadily carving out its place as a top choice for global travellers. Tanzania's appeal as a tourist hotspot continues to grow, with the country earning top honours at the 2024 World Travel Awards, including Africa's Leading Destination and the World's Leading Safari Destination.
Time Out
09-07-2025
- Time Out
The best airlines in Asia
Since 2019, Singapore Airlines has taken the crown annually for the leading airline in Asia in the ranking published by the World Travel Awards. For two decades, the airline has operated the world's longest flight between Singapore and New York with a duration of 19 hours flying over 15,300 kilometres. The airline is part of the Star Alliance and has a fleet of over 180 aircraft that fly to over 110 destinations. It offers many seating options from ultra-luxurious suites to spacious premium economy seating. Singapore Airlines is a preferred airline as well due to the gourmet quality of in-flight meals and the remarkable service from the flight stewards.
Irish Post
08-07-2025
- Irish Post
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum truly lives up to its name
ON a recent trip to Dublin, after getting through catch-ups with various family members by the skin of my teeth, I decided to do a few activities usually aimed at tourists, and no I don't mean a jaunty trip to Temple Bar. I paid a visit to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, situated right on the banks of the Liffey. The museum, less than ten years old, is a marvel of glass and steel, and just a short walk from the city centre. Unlike traditional galleries and museums, EPIC offers an immersive journey through interactive storytelling. The museum has won "Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction" at the World Travel Awards for three years in a row. Founded in 2016 by Neville Isdell - former Coca-Cola CEO - EPIC was inaugurated by former President Mary Robinson the same year. Since then, it has become a tribute to the journeys and achievements of the Irish diaspora. Organised into four themes - Migration; Motivation; Influence; and Diaspora Today - the exhibitions guide visitors through the last fifteen hundred years of emigration. You can trace your own roots at EPIC (Wikimedia Commons/Photo by Holger Uwe Schmitt) My personal favourite was the 'Migration' section, which chronicles periods ranging from the Famine to exile, aided by compelling videos featuring people like Thomas Quinn and Ellen Mahony. EPIC also offers the 'Power of a Name' programme that allows people to submit the names, origins and departure years of emigrant ancestors, which are then projected onto the Legacy Wall. As a bonus, people can enter a draw for a bespoke genealogy session, offered in partnership with the Irish Family History Centre, allowing an exploration into their own family histories. One standout figure in the museum's collection is James Hoban, the Irish-born architect who designed the White House. A native of Kilkenny, Hoban emigrated in the late 1700s and was personally selected by George Washington to oversee the construction of the President's House. His contributions were highlighted in 2014, when then-Vice President Joe Biden addressed an audience in the White House's East Room - flanked by Irish and American flags - quoting President Kennedy's 1963 address to Ireland's Parliament: 'Our two nations, divided by distance, have been united by history and nothing exemplifies this bond more than this building. It was designed by an Irishman named James Hoban.' One couple who I spoke with, Tim and Barbara O'Brian, were visiting from Boston in the US. With Irish heritage on both sides, they said the museum was a remarkable experience. 'We were last here in 2007, and there was nothing like this then", he said, beaming with American enthusiasm. Barbara added, in a similarly cheerful tone: 'It's so great learning about all the Irish history.' In last year's major showcase, ' Look Back to Look Forward: 50 Years of the Irish in Britain,' EPIC showed the deep connection between Ireland and Britain. Its current headline exhibit, ' On the Move: A Century of the Irish Passport,' celebrates a century of Irish passports and its evolution over the years. Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Harris TD said at the opening of the new exhibit, 'I am especially delighted to see submissions from citizens who have shared their significant and historic family passport stories, which highlight the experiences that make the Irish passport so special.' On a personal note, my parents emigrated from Ireland to Britain roughly 30 years ago, although I suspect instead of crossing the sea on a ferry with nothing but hope and a suitcase, they crossed by Ryanair with a wriggling baby and a hangover. Learning about the different journeys of people stretching all the way back to 500 AD was both fascinating and moving. Whether you're an enthusiastic tourist, a frequent visitor or simply curious about your own roots EPIC offers so much more than just a history lesson - its about a connection that millions of us share. It's a reminder that the story of Ireland is written, not just in its 32 counties, but all over the world.
Web Release
08-07-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Mauritius Awarded Three Top Honours at the World Travel Awards 2025
Mauritius has been recognised as a leading travel destination, awarded three prestigious accolades in the 2025 World Travel Awards as voted by experts across the travel and tourism industry. Mauritius' 2025 World Travel Award wins include: Indian Ocean's Leading Beach Destination 2025 Indian Ocean's Leading Tourist Board 2025 – Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority – Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority Indian Ocean's Leading Wedding Destination 2025 Recognised as one of the most prestigious awards in the travel industry, the World Travel Awards celebrate excellence across the tourism sector. These wins reaffirm Mauritius's broad appeal to international travellers seeking picturesque landscapes, crystal blue waters, rich cultural heritage and world class experiences. Avinash Kanti Teelock, Director of Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) said: 'We are honoured to be recognised by the World Travel Awards. These accolades are a true reflection of Mauritius' world class hospitality and vibrant culture. We thank all of our partners who continue to help make Mauritius such a special destination. Whether it's a beach holiday, a dream wedding, or simply experiencing the warmth of our culture and people, Mauritius continues to offer unforgettable experiences to visitors from around the world.'
Associated Press
05-07-2025
- Associated Press
Sandsaver Beach Erosion Solution Helps Swahili Beach Resort Win 4th Consecutive Africa's Leading Beach Award
Innovative Coastal Protection Ensures Excellence for Kenya's Premier Beach Resort Ukunda, Kenya, July 5, 2025 -- Situated on the sun-drenched, palm-fringed shores of Diani Beach, the Swahili Beach Resort is a jewel of the Kenyan coastline, renowned for its seamless blend of traditional Swahili architecture and contemporary luxury. Yet, behind its gleaming white sands and turquoise waters, the resort has faced a formidable adversary: the relentless force of coastal erosion. For years, the shifting tides threatened to claim the very shoreline that made Swahili Beach Resort so alluring. But thanks to the deployment of the Sandsaver beach erosion solution, the resort has not only preserved its natural beauty but has soared to new heights—celebrating its fourth consecutive victory as Africa's Leading Beach Resort at the prestigious World Travel Awards. Coastal erosion is a persistent and growing challenge for beachfront properties around the world, and the East African coastline is no exception. Wind, waves, and rising sea levels gradually eat away at the sandy shores, undermining the stability of infrastructure, endangering local ecosystems, and diminishing the appeal for tourists seeking pristine beaches. For the Swahili Beach Resort, the encroaching ocean became an existential threat—a slow but certain undoing of years of investment in the region's tourism sector. Each monsoon season, tides would claim more of the beach. Palms were uprooted, and the once-generous stretch of white sand narrowed, bringing the water dangerously close to the resort's walkways and amenities. Conventional erosion control methods, such as concrete seawalls, were considered but ultimately rejected. These solutions, while sometimes effective in the short-term, often lead to unintended consequences, including disruption of natural sand flows, damage to marine habitats, and unsightly modifications to the landscape. Enter Sandsaver—a modular, eco-friendly beach erosion solution designed to work with, rather than against, the natural dynamics of the shoreline. Unlike hardened structures, such as coastal armoring or sea walls, Sandsaver utilizes a series of interlocking, modules made of durable food grade materials that are strategically placed along the shore. These modules dissipate wave energy, encourage the natural deposition of sand, and permit the movement of marine life, all while remaining visually unobtrusive. The principle behind Sandsaver is elegantly simple: by slowing down the force of incoming waves and encouraging sediment to settle, the system gradually rebuilds the beach rather than simply defending it. This approach not only preserves the existing shoreline but can, over time, restore lost beach area. At Swahili Beach Resort, Sandsaver modules were carefully installed following rigorous environmental assessments and consultations with engineers. The project was undertaken with minimal disruption to guests and with a commitment to preserving the beauty and biodiversity of the surrounding ecosystem. Within the first year of Sandsaver's deployment, the results were both visible and measurable. The width of the beach increased as new layers of sand accumulated landward of the modules. Guest feedback praised the improved beach experience—more room for sunbathing, beach sports, and tranquil walks at sunrise. Perhaps most importantly, the ecological footprint of the beach erosion solution was found to be minimal. Unlike seawalls that often cause scouring and habitat loss, the Sandsaver system allowed for the continued migration of turtles, crabs, and other coastal fauna. Native grasses and palms began to reclaim areas once lost to the tides, and the water clarity improved thanks to the reduction in near-shore turbidity. The success of the Sandsaver project did not go unnoticed. For the fourth consecutive year, Swahili Beach Resort was honored with the title of Africa's Leading Beach Resort by the World Travel Awards—a testament to the power of innovation in the face of environmental adversity. The award recognized not only the resort's luxurious offerings and outstanding hospitality but also its dedication to sustainable tourism and coastal protection. The triumph at Swahili Beach Resort serves as an inspiring blueprint for other coastal properties grappling with erosion. The Sandsaver system has demonstrated that it is possible to harmonize economic development with environmental stewardship—a lesson with far-reaching implications for the world's threatened shorelines. Government agencies, environmental groups, and private-sector partners have expressed keen interest in the resort's approach. Delegations from as far afield as Mauritius, Seychelles, and the Caribbean have visited Diani Beach to witness the results firsthand. The story of Swahili Beach Resort's four-time triumph as Africa's Leading Beach Resort is more than a tale of hospitality excellence—it is a beacon of hope for threatened coastlines everywhere. Through visionary leadership and the adoption of the Sandsaver beach erosion solution, the resort has turned the tide, restoring both the sands and the spirit of Diani Beach. The Sandsaver is a rotationally molded innovation from internationally recognized rotomolding leader, Granger Plastics Company. Granger Plastics, specializing in complex, rotationally molded products has been in business for over 30 years. Granger Plastics Company is a division of Granger Industries Inc., which includes ForeverSafe Products, the Granger ISS Tornado Shelter, the Sandsaver beach erosion barrier and Granger's custom rotational molding entity, Granger Plastics Company. Granger welcomes inquiries from areas suffering from beach erosion or paying for renourishment methods that just are not working. The Sandsaver offers the ability to work in areas where previously tried erosion control methods have failed or only provided temporary solutions. To learn more about the Sandsaver, please visit or for more information and details. About the company: Granger Plastics Company, a division of Granger Industries Inc., is a Middletown, Ohio based rotational molding company has been in business since 1994. Granger specializes in large, complex rotationally molded products and a variety of proprietary products such as the Sandsaver. To learn more about Granger Plastics or Sandsaver, please visit Contact Info: Name: Shawn Cravens Email: Send Email Organization: The Granger Plastics Company Address: 1600 MADE Industrial Drive Phone: 5134241955 Website: Video URL: Release ID: 89163852 If you encounter any issues, discrepancies, or concerns regarding the content provided in this press release, or if there is a need for a press release takedown, we urge you to notify us without delay at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our expert team will be available to promptly respond within 8 hours – ensuring swift resolution of identified issues or offering guidance on removal procedures. Delivering accurate and reliable information is fundamental to our mission.
