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Benchmark for
Excellence

The Balearica Awards (Africa Tourism Awards) provide an opportunity to showcase the best of African tourism service providers and provide a platform to promote, honour and reward excellence in the tourism industry.

Enlightened travel and tourism service providers and stakeholders recognize the benefits of competing for The Balearica, identifying the accolade as the recognized benchmark of excellence and a positive influence on growing their business.

The Balearica Statuette

The Balearica is named and designed after the Crowned Crane. The red-crowned crane has been a symbol of immortality for centuries and ancient Egyptians were known to decorate their tombs with images of cranes.

The black-crowned crane was voted the national bird of Nigeria. The grey-crowned crane is also the national bird of Uganda and Tanzania. The crowned crane is a sacred symbol in Kenya, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia. Countries have national animals and plants as symbols for tourism promotion.

The statuette is 230mm by 217mm made of gold plated aluminium with black acrylic.

"This is one of the best awards I have ever gotten...it's beautiful..." - Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II)

The Crowned Crane (Balearica)

The crowned crane (Balearica) is more than just a bird—it is a representation of Africa’s rich cultural and natural heritage, the resilience of its people, and the bright future of its tourism industry. By choosing it as the official symbol of the Africa Tourism Awards, the event celebrates grace, prestige, sustainability, and excellence, all while paying tribute to Africa’s unique beauty and potential.

The Balearica statuette, inspired by this magnificent bird, serves as a lasting emblem of honor, recognizing the pioneers and visionaries shaping the future of African tourism.

The Crowned Crane (Balearica) – A Perfect Symbol for the Africa Tourism Awards

The crowned crane (Balearica) is a fitting and powerful symbol for the Africa Tourism Awards, embodying the spirit of African tourism in multiple ways.

Benefits of Participating in the Africa Tourism Awards

Participating in the Africa Tourism Awards is not just about winning—it’s about gaining visibility, credibility, and new opportunities in the fast-growing African tourism industry. Whether you’re a hotel, airline, tour operator, travel agency, or tourism destination, entering the awards can help elevate your brand to the next level!

Entering the Africa Tourism Awards provides numerous benefits for businesses, destinations, and individuals across the tourism industry.
1. Industry Recognition & Prestige
Winners and finalists receive public recognition as leaders in African tourism. The prestigious Balearica Statuette symbolizes excellence and credibility. Enhances reputation and sets entrants apart from competitors.

2. Increased Brand Visibility
Exposure through global media coverage, press releases, and event promotions. Featured on the Africa Tourism Awards website, social media, and marketing campaigns. Opportunity to gain attention from investors, industry leaders, and potential customers.

3. Business Growth & Networking
Direct access to tourism boards, airlines, hospitality leaders, and top travel executives. Potential to form partnerships and collaborations with industry stakeholders. Gain trust and credibility, making it easier to attract customers and business opportunities.

4. Marketing & Publicity
Opportunities Winners and nominees receive exclusive promotional opportunities. Use of the Africa Tourism Awards finalist or winner badge in marketing materials. Potential to be featured in interviews, case studies, and success stories.

5. Competitive Edge & Differentiation
Demonstrates commitment to excellence, innovation, and service quality. Helps businesses stand out in a competitive tourism industry. Attracts high-value clientele looking for trusted and award-winning experiences.
6. Employee Motivation & Morale
Boost Winning an award validates the hard work of teams and employees. Encourages staff pride, motivation, and retention. Creates a positive company culture centered around excellence and recognition.

7. Attraction of New Customers & Tourists
Travelers and tourists are drawn to award-winning destinations, hotels, and services. Provides a seal of approval that reassures potential customers. Generates positive word-of-mouth marketing and social media engagement.

8. Support for Sustainable & Responsible Tourism
Recognizes efforts in eco-tourism, community-driven tourism, and conservation initiatives. Helps businesses position themselves as leaders in sustainable tourism practices. Encourages responsible and impactful travel experiences.

9. Benchmarking & Industry Learning
Opportunity to compare and evaluate performance against industry leaders. Helps businesses identify areas for improvement and innovation. Exposure to emerging trends and best practices in tourism.

10. Potential for Future Growth & Expansion
Boosts credibility when seeking investment, funding, or business expansion. Enhances ability to attract premium partnerships and sponsorships. Positions businesses as leaders driving Africa’s tourism success.

Benefits for winning an award

 
1. Winners receive the iconic Balearica Statuette, a symbol of tourism excellence.

2. Winners can use the “Africa Tourism Awards Winner” badge in branding and promotions.

3. Recognition across the Africa Tourism Awards website, social media, and promotional campaigns.

4. Featured in post-event marketing campaigns, interviews, trade shows and case studies.

5. Potential for increased bookings, sales, and brand loyalty.

6. Gives a marketing advantage, making the business more attractive to clients.

7. Winning sets the business apart from competitors in a crowded market.