South Africa shines globally with four wins at the 2025 World Travel Awards
andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve scooped the award for World's Leading Private Game Reserve at the World travel Awards 2025.
Image: Instagram.
South Africa has once again cemented its status as a global tourism powerhouse, bringing home four prestigious titles from the World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2025.
Tourism royalty from across the globe convened in the Kingdom of Bahrain for the event, which recognises travel organisations pushing the boundaries of excellence and innovation.
Amidst fierce international competition, South African hospitality and conservation took centre stage.
The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa in Johannesburg, was crowned World's Leading Luxury Boutique Hotel 2025.
Malewane Lodge at Royal Malewane at Kruger National Park secured the title of World's Leading Luxury Lodge, while Villa Thandawena at Jumeirah Thanda Safari, Zululand was named World's Leading Luxury Private Villa.
Rounding off the victories, andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve at Kruger National Park scooped the award for World's Leading Private Game Reserve.
Graham Cooke, founder of the awards, commended the winners: "Our winners are stellar examples of tourism excellence, and I congratulate each and every one for helping to raise the collective benchmark across our industry."
While South Africa celebrated its triumphs, other global destinations were also honoured at the VIP reception.
Maldives was voted as the World’s Leading Destination, and Athens was named the World’s Leading City Break Destination.
Chile claimed World’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination, Tanzania took World’s Leading Safari Destination, and Jamaica was recognised as the World’s Leading Cruise Destination.
Hospitality winners included The St. Regis The Palm, which received the World’s Leading Hotel Service Award and Katara Hospitality, claiming World’s Leading Hospitality Development Company.
Jumeirah Thanda Island, Tanzania, emerged triumphant as the World’s Leading Exclusive Private Island.
Winners of World travel Awards 2025.
Image: Instagram.
Running alongside the main event was the 5th annual World Travel Tech Awards, a global initiative rewarding excellence in the travel technology sector.
Following a year-long search for the world’s leading brands, Booking.com celebrated by claiming the title of World's Best Travel Booking App.
World's Best Vacation Rental Booking Website went to Airbnb, Uber collected the World's Best Ride-Hailing App award, while Bolt took the Africa's Best Ride-Hailing App award.
Dubai claimed the title of World's Best Smart Tourism Destination, and Qatar Airways won the coveted title of World's Best Airline Website, with Hong Kong International Airport collecting World's Best Airport Website.
"What an incredible event it has been here in the remarkable Kingdom of Bahrain," said Mike Sawicki, managing director of the World Travel Tech Awards.
He added: "We had the privilege of recognising brands that are stellar examples of excellence in their field. My congratulations to each of them."