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 published on the platform for public support voting.
Timeline
January – March
2. Top 10 Shortlisting
What Happens
The 10 nominees with the highest valid support votes per category are automatically shortlisted. In case of a tie, the nominee with more unique verified voters ranks higher. If still tied, the earliest eligible nomination prevails.
Rules
All decisions of the awards secretariat are final
Who Participates
Automated system, overseen by the Awards Secretariat.
Outcome
Official Top 10 shortlist announced publicly.
Timeline
May
3. Verification & Assessment
What Happens
Our team reviews each shortlisted nominee for business legitimacy, tourism relevance, category fit, and operational standards. Supporting documents and evidence are assessed.
Rules
Nominees may be asked for additional documentation. Rejected nominees are replaced by the next eligible ranked candidate.
Who Participates
Africa Tourism Awards verification team and assessment panel.
Outcome
Verified finalists confirmed for final voting.
Timeline
April - November
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 and College members score nominees against structured criteria (5–10 per category, each scored 1–10).
Rules
Scores are normalized and aggregated. Final results are locked once published. No manual editing of scores is permitted after lock.
Who Participates
Independent Judges Panel, Balearica Awards College members, and verified public voters.
Outcome
Final weighted scores determine category winners.
Timeline
July – October
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. Results are published on the platform with score breakdowns.
Rules
Results become read-only once published. 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