The World Travel Awards (WTA) has announced it will host its Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2022 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya.

The leading travel industry figureheads and decision-makers from Africa and the Indian Ocean are set to attend the red-carpet gala reception in Nairobi on October 15, 2022.

The iconic KICC is outed to be the largest conference facility in East and Central Africa and has played a critical role in positioning Nairobi as the leading business hub in the region.

KICC Amphitheatre. PHOTO/KICC

KICC CEO Nana Gecaga says all preparations to host the biggest event in the hospitality and travel industry are currently underway in Kenya and at the venue.

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"We are delighted as a country to host this auspicious event. Kenyans are well prepared and thrilled to give our guests an unforgettable hospitality and a magical experience during the gala ceremony" said Nana.

KICC's Tsavo Ballroom. PHOTO/KICC

Nana indicated that the prestigious ceremony dubbed the ‘Oscars of hospitality industry’ will offer the country a crucial chance to showcase her exemplary hospitality and culture.

"We are working closely with our partners and stakeholders to come up with very attractive pre and post event packages that will ensure the delegates get an all-rounded Kenyan experience during their stay in the country " she added.

Graham Cooke. PHOTO/COURTESY

WTA founder Graham Cooke says the event will play an important role in the revival of the tourism sector after the global slump occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic disruptions.

“We are honoured to host our Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2020 at the KICC, for what will mark our second visit to Nairobi. As tourism bounces back, the gathering will serve as the perfect platform for the industry’s leaders to reunite and a launchpad for future business growth,” said Cooke.

He added: “Our partnership with the KICC will help reinforce Nairobi’s reputation as Africa’s leading destination for business travel and MICE tourism. I look forward to welcoming our nominees to our 29th annual Grand Tour.”

KICC. PHOTO/COURTESY

Since its opening by Kenya’s founding father President Jomo Kenyatta in 1973, KICC has hosted countless prestigious conferences raising Nairobi’s profile as East Africa’s main conferences destination.

The convention center took advantage of the 2020-intitgated pandemic period to refurbish some of its meeting rooms to further cement KICC’s positioning for business functions.

Nana Gecaga. PHOTO/COURTESY

The upcoming WTA ceremony slated for KICC will be the first global award show held in Kenya and Africa since 2019.

"As you are aware I will be finishing my 7 years at KICC at the end of this year so I'm extremely honoured to be closing my tenure on such a high note, solidify all I have done and worked hard to reposition KICC to what we all have come to know and see today," she concluded.