Nairobi has been named as the 2021 Africa leading business travel destination.
Kenya's capital city was feted during the 2021 World Travel Award on October 21 in the Africa and Indian Ocean category. Nairobi beat other leading cities the likes of Accra, Cairo, Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Lagos and Pretoria.
This is the third time in a row that Nairobi has been named the continent's leading business travel destination having clinched the award in 2019 and 2020.
Notably, the business in the city would not be possible without the contribution of other entities. Several establishments within the city in the sun have played a great role in creating a conducive business environment, and were also recognised.
Kenya Airways was named Africa's leading commercial airline. The national carrier was feted for having the best business class.
The Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) scooped the award for the best meetings and conference centre in the year 2021. While Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) emerged the best of its kind.
In matters accommodation, Four Points by Sheraton and Fairmont The Norfolk were named as the continent's best airport and city hotels respectively.
The Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club was named the leading hotel in Africa in 2021 while the Port of Mombasa was ranked top.
Other businesses recognised include the Diamonds Dream of Africa, Olare Mara Kempinski, Ocean Sports Resort and Finch Hattons , which offer accommodation services.
Nairobi's top ranking as a business hub comes against the backdrop of harsh economic times witnessed in the country in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic. Many businesses were forced to lay off their staff and some which were badly hit had to close shop.
However, with the lifting of the nationwide curfew on October 20 by President Uhuru Kenyatta, financial experts predicted that the economy will get back to where it was, but would take some time.
Nonetheless, Nairobi continues to grapple with a range of challenges including, pollution, solid waste management, depressing traffic and the ever-rising population.
