President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame has been bequeathed with the Destination Africa Lifetime award at this year’s Africa Tourism Leadership Awards in Durban, South Africa.
The Rwandan Leader’s exceptional leadership in the promotion of Africa to the world stood out as the award committee announced him as the winner of this year’s award. The vision of President Kagame has seen a country, which was in deplorable state some 25 years ago, transformed into a progressive and prosperous country, becoming a torchbearer of the continent.
The Destination Africa Lifetime award is given to individuals who have made exceptional lifetime contribution in creating positive change by promoting Africa beyond the continent.
Receiving the award was Rwanda’s High Commissioner to South Africa Vincent Karega who said he was honoured to have received the award on behalf of the President.
“I am humbled to receive this award on behalf of His Excellency Paul Kagame. The tourism Industry is an important sector to most of the countries in Africa and we can easily grow the sector by working together’’ he stated.
Below are the other winners on the night
Leading in progressive Policies
Rwanda Development Board
Outstanding Entrepreneurship Award
CAM Consulting Group – South Africa
Women in Leadership
Francine Zana – South Africa
Innovative Business Tourism Destination
Cape Town
Outstanding Accommodation
Azalai Hotel Group – Mali
Outstanding Tourism Transportation
Ethiopian Airlines
Outstanding Africa Tourism Media
Voyages Afriq – Ghana
Championing Sustainability
African Parks – South Africa
The Africa Tourism Leadership awards recognize game changers in the tourism ecosystem. These include individuals/groups’ initiatives being pursued across the sector.
Particular attention and recognition is given to entities that can prove commitment to leadership through sustainability in tourism policy and practices.
The Awards and Gala dinner capped off a very successful Africa Tourism Leadership Forum held in Durban in the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa.
