World Travel Awards announces winners amid World Cup festivities

On arrival, guests were welcomed by a traditional drumming outfit - as well as a delicious assortment of canapés and Bacardi cocktails. The ceremony room was beautifully laid out in a simple, yet elegant black-and-white theme.

More nominations

Touted as "The Oscars of the Travel Industry", these awards had 50 percent more nominations this year and enjoyed a 10 percent voter increase annually, according to World Travel Awards founder and president, Graham Cooke.

The awards were handed out by hosts Michael de Pinna and Geri Rantseli (who is not a newcomer to this particular awards ceremony) to the live musical backdrop of SA's first all-female instrumental group, Sterling EQ.

Entertainment

Other entertainment included dancers The Clinch Crew, traditional African performance group The Spirit of Africa, African Footprint who did a football-themed performance, and comedian Trevor Noah who poked fun at vuvuzelas and the unique experience of asking for directions in South Africa, among others.

Two charities were represented: Just a Drop (www.justadrop.org) and 1Goal (www.join1goal.org).

The evening ended with a screening of the Germany-Spain semi-final 2010 FIFA World Cup game amid much celebration. All of the night's winners are automatically nominated for the grand final World Travel Awards, which will take place in November in London.

Some notable winners of the World Travel Awards (Africa & Indian Ocean)

Africa

* Leading Airline: South African Airways
* Leading Airport: OR Tambo International Airport
* Leading Beach Destination: Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
* Leading Car Hire: Europcar
* Leading Casino Resort: The Palazzo Montecasino
* Leading Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
* Leading Destination: Cape Town
* Leading Hotel: Saxon Boutique Hotel & Spa, South Africa
* Leading Low-Cost Airline: 1time
* Leading Luxury Train: The Blue Train
* Leading Meetings & Conference Centre: International Convention Centre Durban
* Leading Online Tour Operator: 1time
* Leading Port: Durban
* Leading Resort: Sun City Resort
* Leading Tourist Board: South Africa Tourism
* Leading Travel Agency: Club Travel, South Africa
* Leading Travel Exhibition: INDABA
* Tourism Personality of the Year: Dr Aupindi Tobie Aupindi, MD Namibia Wildlife Resorts

Indian Ocean

* Leading Airline: Air Mauritius
* Leading Airport: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, Mauritius
* Leading Beach Destination: Trou Aux Biches, Mauritius
* Leading Car Hire: Avis
* Leading Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
* Leading Destination: Mauritius
* Leading Honeymoon Destination: Maldives
* Leading Hotel: Baros Maldives
* Leading Resort: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
* Leading Travel Agency: Vermillion International Maldives

Other winners and more information on the World Travel Awards can be found at www.worldtravelawards.com