Ethiopia’s first Travelife‑certified firm receives the nation’s premier DMC award at the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony in Zanzibar.
ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA, September 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Anbessa Travel is pleased to announce that it has been awarded the title of Ethiopia’s Leading Destination Management Company 2026 during the 33rd annual World Travel Awards.
The honorees were revealed at the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony, which took place on 28 August 2026 at Diamonds Bijoux in Zanzibar, Tanzania. This gathering united premier tourism and hospitality organizations from across Africa to celebrate industry excellence.
This significant award underscores Anbessa Travel’s dedication to outstanding service, sustainability, safety, ethical business practices, and dependable travel management throughout Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa.
Anbessa Travel started its operations in 2012 under its previous name, FKLM Ethiopia Tours. Since that time, it has evolved into one of Ethiopia’s respected destination management companies, serving international tour operators, travel agencies, leisure travelers, corporate clients, NGOs, and event organizers.
With its headquarters in Addis Ababa, the company focuses on customized tours, cultural journeys, wildlife and birdwatching excursions, MICE and incentive travel, executive chauffeur services, and corporate ground transportation.
An Encouragement for the Journey Ahead
Winning Ethiopia’s Leading Destination Management Company 2026 is a meaningful milestone and a strong source of motivation for the Anbessa Travel team.
This award acknowledges the company’s years of dedication, local expertise, and commitment. It also encourages Anbessa Travel to keep enhancing its offerings and enabling more people to explore Ethiopia’s history, culture, wildlife, and natural landscapes.
“This recognition is a great honour and an important source of encouragement for our team,” said **Molla Miheretu, Founder and General Manager of Anbessa Travel**. “It confirms that our commitment to quality, responsibility and authentic travel experiences is being recognized. It motivates us to continue sharing the true story of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa with travellers and partners around the world.”
Anbessa Travel sincerely thanks everyone who voted during the World Travel Awards campaign. This achievement belongs to every employee, client, partner, supplier and community that has supported the company’s journey.
“We could not have achieved this recognition alone,” added Miheretu. “This award belongs to everyone who believed in us, voted for us and continued to support our work. It represents the trust, commitment and shared effort of many people.”
Deep Knowledge of Ethiopia
The Anbessa Travel team has built extensive expertise in Ethiopia’s destinations, cultures, communities, wildlife, and traditions.
From the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and the historic castles of Gondar to the Simien Mountains, Bale Mountains, Omo Valley, Harar, and the Danakil Depression, the company designs journeys that allow visitors to experience Ethiopia in a meaningful and respectful manner.
Anbessa Travel believes that tourism can unite people, foster cross-cultural understanding, and encourage communities to safeguard their natural and cultural heritage. Its objective is not merely to take visitors to various locations but to help them comprehend the people and stories that make Ethiopia unique.
The company has also forged strong ties with hotels, conference venues, charter flight operators, transportation providers, local communities, and tourism professionals. These partnerships enable Anbessa Travel to handle diverse projects while upholding safety, quality, and attention to detail.
Its capacity to adapt, innovate, and react swiftly to client needs has made it a trusted destination management partner in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa.
A Continuing Record of Excellence
The 2026 World Travel Awards recognition builds on Anbessa Travel’s earlier accomplishments. In 2023, the company was named Best Destination Management Company in Ethiopia by MEA Markets.
Receiving another major industry award demonstrates the company’s ongoing growth and its ability to sustain high standards in a competitive and evolving travel sector.
Anbessa Travel’s work is guided by professional service, transparency, and ethical business conduct. It strives to operate responsibly and contribute positively to the development of Ethiopia’s tourism industry.
Sustainability at the Heart of the Business
Sustainability remains a core element of Anbessa Travel’s operations. In 2016, the company became the first Travelife-certified company in Ethiopia and has continued to work toward meeting internationally recognized sustainability standards.
Its approach includes supporting communities, promoting responsible travel, encouraging fair business practices, protecting cultural and natural heritage, and reducing the environmental impact of its services.
Anbessa Travel plants indigenous trees each year at its dedicated planting site in Entoto Park. It also funds 15 student scholarships annually, helping young people access educational opportunities.
Electric vehicles currently make up 40 percent of the company’s fleet. Anbessa Travel has supported Ethiopia’s transition toward electric mobility and introduced electric vehicles into project work across the country.
Over the past eight years, the company has distributed 1,200 improved cookstoves to 1,200 households. These stoves help reduce firewood usage, protect surrounding forests, and lower indoor smoke that can affect family health.
Anbessa Travel also operates community-based tours that direct visitor spending to local hosts and help keep tourism income within the destinations travellers visit.
For the company, responsible tourism means providing memorable travel experiences while ensuring that tourism benefits local people, protects destinations, and supports Ethiopia’s long-term development.
This award represents more than a company achievement. It is also an opportunity to bring greater international attention to Ethiopia as a destination rich in history, culture, wildlife, hospitality, and natural beauty.
The company especially thanks its guides, drivers, travel planners, operations staff, and office team. Their knowledge, care, and hard work transform carefully planned itineraries into experiences that travellers remember.
Anbessa Travel also thanks the World Travel Awards, everyone who voted, its loyal clients, international partners, local suppliers, and communities across Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa.
Media Contact
Molla Miheretu
Founder and General Manager, Anbessa Travel
Phone: +251 93 011 0004
Email: info@anbessa.travel
Website: www.anbessa.travel
Molla Miheretu
Anbessa Travel and MICE
+251 93 011 0004
Info@anbessa.travel
