Zanzibar’s New Luxury Resort Takes Center Stage for Africa’s Top Travel Honors
On August 28, 2026, Diamonds Bijoux Zanzibar will host the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony, marking a significant milestone for both the resort and the island destination. This prestigious event brings together tourism leaders, hotel executives, aviation officials, and travel innovators from across the African continent to celebrate excellence in hospitality and travel services. The gala recognizes outstanding achievements in categories ranging from best hotels and airlines to emerging destinations and sustainable tourism initiatives. As the third time Diamonds Resorts has partnered with World Travel Awards for an Africa ceremony, this event underscores the growing reputation of the brand as a premier host for high-profile industry gatherings. The choice of Diamonds Bijoux Zanzibar — which opened just seven months prior in January 2026 — highlights the resort’s rapid ascent in the luxury travel market and Zanzibar’s emergence as a key player in Africa’s tourism renaissance.
Located on the pristine southeast coast of Unguja Island, Diamonds Bijoux Zanzibar is a five-star all-inclusive retreat designed to blend contemporary luxury with authentic Swahili-Arabic architectural influences. The resort features spacious villas with private plunge pools, direct beach access, and interiors crafted using local materials and traditional Zanzibari motifs. Guests enjoy access to multiple dining venues serving coastal Swahili cuisine, international fare, and fresh seafood, alongside wellness facilities including a spa, fitness center, and yoga pavilion. The property emphasizes privacy and understated elegance, appealing to travelers seeking a refined escape away from crowded tourist zones. Its all-inclusive model covers meals, premium beverages, selected excursions, and non-motorized water sports, positioning it competitively within the upper tier of African beach resorts.
The World Travel Awards, often referred to as the ‘Oscars of the travel industry,’ has been recognizing excellence in global tourism since 1993. The Africa Gala Ceremony specifically honors achievements within the African continent, spotlighting destinations, hotels, tour operators, and airlines that demonstrate innovation, service quality, and commitment to sustainable development. Winning a World Travel Award is widely regarded as a career-defining accolade in the travel sector, often leading to increased visibility, higher occupancy rates, and stronger partnerships with international tour operators. For Zanzibar, hosting the ceremony provides a powerful platform to showcase its tourism infrastructure, cultural richness, and commitment to responsible growth on a global stage.
Zanzibar’s tourism sector has experienced steady growth in recent years, with international visitor arrivals reaching over 500,000 annually in 2025 — a significant increase from pre-pandemic levels. The island’s appeal lies in its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage: powder-white beaches fringed by coconut palms, historic Stone Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), spice plantations offering guided tours of cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom, and vibrant marine ecosystems ideal for snorkeling and diving. The semi-autonomous region has invested in upgrading its airport infrastructure, expanding renewable energy use in resorts, and promoting community-based tourism initiatives that ensure local populations benefit from tourism revenue. Events like the World Travel Awards Gala accelerate this momentum by attracting global media attention and encouraging high-value travelers to consider Zanzibar for future visits.
For travelers planning trips to Zanzibar in late 2026 or beyond, the hosting of this gala signals several practical implications. First, increased global visibility may lead to higher demand for accommodations, particularly during peak seasons (June to October and December to February), potentially pushing up prices by 15-25% compared to 2024 levels. Second, the event may prompt improvements in airport capacity, flight connectivity, and ground transportation as local authorities prepare to host international delegates. Third, travelers interested in attending future industry events should monitor official World Travel Awards channels for registration details, as VIP access to the gala is typically restricted to nominees, winners, and invited industry professionals — though public viewing opportunities or related cultural festivals may be organized in Stone Town or nearby areas. Finally, the spotlight on Diamonds Bijoux may inspire similar luxury developments along Zanzibar’s coastline, potentially expanding high-end options while raising concerns about environmental sustainability and equitable development.
Budget-conscious travelers should note that while the gala itself is an industry-only event, its aftermath often creates ripple effects in the local tourism economy. All-inclusive packages at resorts like Diamonds Bijoux Zanzibar typically range from $350 to $550 per person per night in 2026, depending on season and villa category. Travelers seeking better value may consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (March to May or November), when rates can drop by 20-30% and crowds are thinner. Alternative accommodations in boutique hotels, eco-lodges, or guesthouses in areas like Jambiani, Paje, or Matemwe offer authentic experiences at lower price points, often ranging from $80 to $180 per night. Dining at local markets and street food vendors — such as Forodhani Gardens in Stone Town — provides delicious, affordable meals like Zanzibar pizza, urojo soup, and grilled seafood skewers for under $5 per meal.
Looking ahead, the successful hosting of the World Travel Awards Africa Gala could position Zanzibar to bid for other major international events, including regional conferences of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) or African Union tourism summits. Industry analysts predict that if the ceremony receives positive feedback from attendees — particularly regarding logistics, hospitality, and cultural programming — Zanzibar may see a 10-15% increase in long-haul arrivals from Europe and the Middle East in 2027. For Diamonds Resorts, the event reinforces its strategy of partnering with globally recognized brands to elevate the profile of its properties across Africa and the Indian Ocean. Continued investment in staff training, sustainable practices, and authentic cultural engagement will be key to maintaining the resort’s reputation as a leader in luxury hospitality.
What Travelers Should Know About Attending Events in Zanzibar
While the World Travel Awards Africa Gala is an invitation-only industry event, travelers visiting Zanzibar around August 28, 2026, may still experience its effects through increased airport traffic, fuller hotels, and heightened cultural activity. Those interested in engaging with the spirit of the occasion can explore public events that often accompany such ceremonies, including live music performances in Stone Town’s Forodhani Gardens, traditional taarab concerts, or Swahili dance showcases. Local tour operators may offer special cultural packages during this period, combining visits to spice farms, historical sites, and coastal villages with opportunities to interact with artisans and performers. Travelers are advised to book accommodations and tours well in advance, as demand typically spikes in the weeks surrounding major international events.
Respect for local customs is essential when visiting Zanzibar, a predominantly Muslim region where modest dress is appreciated outside beach resort zones. Women are encouraged to cover shoulders and knees when in villages or Stone Town, while swimwear should be confined to hotel beaches or designated public areas. During Ramadan — which in 2026 runs from approximately February 28 to March 29 — travelers should be mindful of fasting hours, though many resorts continue to serve food discreetly during daylight hours. Learning a few phrases in Swahili, such as ‘Jambo’ (hello), ‘Asante’ (thank you), and ‘Karibu’ (welcome), goes a long way in building rapport with locals. Tipping is customary for guides, drivers, and hotel staff, with 10% being standard in restaurants and $5–$10 per day appreciated for exceptional service.
Environmental responsibility is increasingly important in Zanzibar’s tourism strategy. Travelers can support sustainability by choosing resorts with verified eco-certifications, participating in beach cleanups, avoiding single-use plastics, and respecting marine life while snorkeling or diving. Several organizations offer reef-safe sunscreen refill stations and educational programs on coral conservation. Additionally, opting for locally owned tour guides and purchasing crafts directly from artisans ensures that tourism revenue supports community livelihoods. As Zanzibar balances growth with preservation, visitor choices play a meaningful role in shaping the island’s future.
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