Tag: World Travel Awards

  • Vipingo Ridge retains Africa’s Best Golf Real Estate Venue title

    Vipingo Ridge retains Africa’s Best Golf Real Estate Venue title

    Vipingo Ridge has retained the prestigious Africa’s Best Golf Real Estate Venue 2025 title at the 12th World Golf Awards, held in Madeira, Portugal.

    For the second year running, Vipingo Ridge triumphed over other continental lodges in Africa to emerge as Africa’s Best Golf Real Estate this year recognising the Resort’s positioning as a leading destination for golf enthusiasts and real estate investors alike.

    Vipingo Ridge is home to Africa’s only PGA-accredited golf course, offering premier golfing experiences, professional training and a range of sports and wellness activities.

    The World Golf Awards™, part of the World Travel Awards™, serve to celebrate and reward excellence in golf tourism, outstanding golf courses, and exceptional golf destinations. The awards’ tremendous success over the past decade has generated significant excitement within the sector, driving continuous growth year after year. The awards, voted for by consumers worldwide, celebrate excellence in the golf tourism industry and highlight the commitment of organisations to elevating the global golfing experience.

    This year, the awards were staged in Funchal, the capital city of Portugal’s Madeira archipelago, with Trump International Scotland, cementing its place among the world’s greatest golfing destinations by winning three headline awards. The New Course was named ‘World’s Best Golf Course’ and ‘Europe’s Best New Golf Course’, while Trump International Scotland was awarded ‘World’s Best Contribution to Golf Tourism Hospitality’.

    Speaking from Kilifi, Vipingo Ridge CEO Alex Horsey said the award celebrates the progressively appreciating real estate investments at the lifestyle destination, which continue to position Kenya as an ideal Golf tourism destination.

    “As we pay tribute to all our stakeholders, we recognise that this award celebrates the Vipingo Ridge commitment to creating a sustainable environment where nature, recreation and responsible development coexist. It continues to redefine modern coastal living through its blend of exceptional real estate and world-class golfing experience,” Mr Horsey said.

    He added, “Our vision has always been to create a destination that celebrates Kenya’s natural beauty while offering a lifestyle experience that rivals the world’s best. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to excellence, sustainability and positioning Kenya as a premier golf tourism destination.”

    In a communique issued from Madeira, World Golf Awards, Managing Director,  Chris Frost, said: “We are delighted to unveil the best golf organisations of 2025 – the courses, resorts, designers and hospitality providers that are driving the global golf industry to new heights. This year’s winners reflect the strength and innovation within the sport, showcasing an exceptional blend of excellence, sustainability and passion. We have received a record number of votes from golf consumers and industry professionals worldwide – a wonderful endorsement of the growing appeal of golf tourism.”

    Alongside Vipingo, LIV Golf Adelaide, and The Grange Golf Club were recognised as ‘World’s Best Golf Event of the Year’, with 54 Limited winning ‘Golf Advisory & Operations Team of the Year’. Ireland’s Fairways and FunDays claimed ‘World’s Best Golf Tour Operator’.

    Other winners included Madinaty Golf Club (‘Africa’s Best Golf Course’); Terras da Comporta – Dunas Golf Course, Portugal (Europe’s Best Golf Course); Augusta National Golf Club, Georgia (‘North America’s Best Golf Course); Sentosa Golf Club – Serapong Course, Singapore (Asia’s Best Golf Course); and Heritage Golf Club – La Réserve Golf Links, Mauritius (Indian Ocean’s Best Golf Course).

  • JKIA named Africa’s leading airport at World Travel Awards

    JKIA named Africa’s leading airport at World Travel Awards

    Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has been ranked as Africa’s leading airport at the World Travel Awards.

    The award was presented to the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) team led by Acting Managing Director Henry Ogoye and Airport Manager Selina Gor, during a ceremony held in Diani.

    JKIA beat several African airports including Cape Town International Airport (South Africa), Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (Morocco), Julius Nyerere International Airport (Tanzania), Kigali International Airport (Rwanda), King Shaka International Airport (South Africa), and O.R. Tambo International Airport (South Africa).

    In a statement KAA said the win reflects JKIA’s unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service, enhancing operational efficiency, and continuously improving the passenger experience.

    “We’re proud of our team’s hard work and dedication that made this achievement possible, and we thank all our passengers and partners for their continued support.”

    The award comes amid controversy surrounding the proposal by the government to lease the airport to Indian conglomerate Adani Airport Holdings for a period of 30 years.

    The foreign firm is expected to invest billions in renovations to revitalize the airport and give it a modern appearance.