Nigerian photographer Dayo Adedayo has been named Africa’s Best Tourism Photographer of the Year 2026 at the African Tourism Awards in London.
The Africa Tourism Awards 2026 took place on Sunday, 1 November 2026, at the Hilton London Canary Wharf in London, United Kingdom. The prestigious gala celebrated excellence, leadership, and sustainability across more than 30 sectors of the African travel and hospitality industry. The ceremony spotlighted outstanding destinations, organizations, and industry pioneers pushing the boundaries of African tourism.
Adedayo announced the achievement in a post, thanking God, his family, friends, well-wishers and everyone who voted for him.
He said the recognition meant a lot to him, coming after more than four decades of using his camera to showcase Nigeria’s beauty, culture and heritage.
The photographer described the award as more than a personal achievement, saying it was also a win for Nigeria and African tourism.
He said the recognition underscored the role of photography in telling African stories and promoting the continent’s attractions to the world.
Adedayo also expressed appreciation to everyone who had supported his journey and contributed to his success.
He said the award would encourage him to continue documenting and promoting Africa’s rich cultural heritage through photography.
“The journey continues. The best is yet to come,” he added.
The award represents a significant milestone in a career spanning more than four decades behind the camera, during which Adedayo has dedicated himself to documenting Nigeria’s breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, traditions and extraordinary heritage.
His recognition is not simply a personal achievement. It highlights the important contribution of photography and visual storytelling to Africa’s tourism development, particularly at a time when countries across the continent are seeking to strengthen their international appeal, attract investment and showcase their cultural and natural assets.
For Nigeria, a country blessed with remarkable geographical diversity, historical landmarks, festivals, wildlife, architecture and vibrant communities, the importance of telling its story through compelling images cannot be overstated. The right photograph can introduce a destination to millions of potential visitors before they ever make the journey.
The 2026 winners featured notable figures and entities such as Amb. Dr. Alain St. Ange (Lifetime Achievement, Seychelles), the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (Best Country Destination), and Cape Town Tourism (Best City Destination). Other category winners included Zanzibar for beaches, Maasai Mara for safaris, Morocco for culture, and Cape Town International for airports. Additional honorees span the Kenya Tourism Board, photographer Dayo Adedayo, Hafeni Afrika Tourism Group for sustainability, The Royal Livingstone, Ethiopian Airlines, and Hilda Baci as Restaurant Personality of the Year.