Kenya’s tourism sector has something to smile about following the recognition of Diani and Watamu beaches as one of the world’s best tourist destinations.

Diani beach, located in Kwale county, has been ranked 22nd, in the list of world’s top 25 beaches by TripAdvisor in their Travellers’s Choice Awards (Best of 2015). TripAdvisor is an American travel website that provides reviews of travel-related content.

BEST BEACHES IN AFRICA

Diani was also voted third among the top 25 beaches in Africa while Watamu beach in Kilifi county ranked 14th in this category.

TripAdvisor ranks tourist destinations based on reviews from travellers across the globe. Diani beach has 11,914, reviews and opinions on the TripAdvisor website.

BrazIl’s Baia do Sancho takes the lead of the best beach in the world.

Tourism stakeholders at the coast have lauded the accolades which come at a time when the region is grappling with a low tourist turnout due to travel advisories that were issued by various European countries last year, following the terror attacks that were witnessed in the country the same year.

KENYA’S BEACHES “UNRIVALLED AND WORLD CLASS”

Mombasa and Coast Tourist Association chairman Mohamed Hersi termed the recognition as “God sent”.

“What God has given Kenya in terms of beaches is unrivalled and world class,” Hersi, who is also Regional General Manager for Sarova Group of Hotels, Coast, said.

“This is good news to destination Kenya, coming hot on the heels of KTB being voted as Africa’s leading Tourism Board 2012 during a hotly contested event in UK by travel agents across the globe. The two beaches have further positioned Kenya as a prized destination due to their appeal to a wide range of travellers,” said (KTB) Managing Director Muriithi Ndegwa.

Last year, Diani was voted Africa’s leading beach destination by the world travel awards.