Jumia announces winners of the second edition of the Jumia Hotel Awards

Jumia has announced the winners of the second edition  of Jumia Hotel Awards. The winners were announced yesterday at the same time the company celebrated its third anniversary.

With five categories each respectively covering a topical highlight in the hotel business, the Jumia Hotel Awards celebrate greatest achievements and relationships. According to the company that not only set the awardees apart but also strive to create better service and experience for the guests.

“Creating unforgettable experience through guest engagement, protecting the environment through adhering to sustainable policies and providing the right work environment for the staff is fundamental to the growth and reputation of any hotel”, said Estelle Verdier, Managing Director for Jumia Travel East and Southern Africa Region. Estelle emphasized on the objective of the Jumia Hotel Awards to appreciate outstanding performers while creating a dynamic platform for players to meet and interact.

Jumia Travel has for the last  three years provided an online platform for local hotels, ensuring that both small boutique properties, as well as privately owned residences, can now enjoy fair display and online presence as with global chains and renowned brands.

Paving and supporting the digitization process of hotels and the adoption of eCommerce has also been at the forefront of objectives set by the company, with 50% of its hotel partners making their online debut via the platform.

Cyrus Onyiego, the country Manager for Jumia Travel Kenya, who presented the awards cited that the local hotel sector in Kenya forms a vital component of the tourism industry supply chain and therefore reiterated the need for players to be at the forefront in implementing positively impacting policies. “The services of accommodation facilities and resulting amenities vary from property to property, but each of our hotels must meet the basics of catering to the creature comforts of our guests, and going beyond the expected through personalizing their service”.

Below are the winners:

• Customer Choice Award – Amani Tiwi Beach Resort

         (Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, Neptune Beach Resort)

• Best Hotel Partner – Lotos Inn & Suites

         (La Maison Royale, Sarova Group)

• Booking Award – Reef Hotel, Mombasa

         (Kenya Continental Hotel, Severin Sea Lodge)

• Business Partner 2016 – Fairmont The Norfolk

          (Pride Inn Hotels & Conferencing, Skylax Safaris)

• The Rising Star Award – Tune Hotel

          (Amber Hotel, Concord Hotel & Suites)

This year marked the third anniversary of Jumia Travel and the second edition of the company’s sponsored awards. The event also marks the launch of the ongoing legendary Black Friday sale, which as Verdier explains comes early this year, to ensure travelers are able to make their holiday bookings without the last minute rush.