The Process
How It Works
A rigorous, transparent six-stage journey from nomination to recognition.
1. Nomination Phase
What Happens
Individuals, organisations, and industry professionals submit nominations for outstanding tourism businesses, destinations, and leaders across 30+ categories.
Rules
Each nomination requires verified email, supporting statement, and nominee details. Duplicate nominations are flagged automatically.
Who Participates
Anyone can nominate — tourism professionals, travellers, industry bodies, and businesses themselves.
Outcome
All valid nominations are accepted for screening.
Timeline
January – March
2. Top 10 Shortlisting
What Happens
The 10 nominees with the highest nominations per category are shortlisted. Self-nominations rank higher i.e one self-nomination trumps a thousand public nominations. Nominations are then reviewed against the published criteria by the awards secretariat to produce a top 10. In case of a tie, the nominee with more unique verified voters ranks higher. If more than ten remain, the judges eliminate by voting.
Rules
All decisions of the awards secretariat are final.
Who Participates
Awards Secretariat and vetted by the judges.
Outcome
Official Top 10 shortlist announced publicly.
Timeline
May
3. Verification & Assessment
What Happens
Top 10 Nominees are requested to provide supporting documentations. Some categories may require a physical inspection or interview. Inspections will be at the cost of nominees eg. Hotel to provide complimentary stays for inspections. Supporting documents and evidence are assessed.
Rules
Nominees may be asked for additional documentation. Unresponsive or rejected nominees are replaced by the next eligible ranked candidate.
Who Participates
Africa Tourism Awards verification team and assessment panel made up of judges, Balearica Awards College, volunteer inspectors.
Outcome
Verified finalists confirmed for final voting.
Timeline
May - July
4. Final Voting
What Happens
The final scoring phase combines three weighted components: Judges Panel (40%), Balearica Awards College (40%), and Public Vote (20%). Judges score nominees against structured criteria and College members vote.
Rules
Scores are normalized and aggregated.
Who Participates
Independent Judges Panel, Balearica Awards College members, and verified public voters.
Outcome
Final weighted scores determine category winners.
Timeline
August – September
5. Awards Ceremony & Results
What Happens
Winners are announced at the prestigious Africa Tourism Awards ceremony in London, attended by industry leaders, sponsors, media, and nominees.
Rules
Winner badges and recognition materials are distributed.
Who Participates
All stakeholders — nominees, judges, sponsors, media, and the public.
Outcome
Winners receive international recognition, media coverage, and year-round visibility on the platform.
Timeline
November