Follow Us on Google
By Chinelo Obogo
Formost travel and tourism fair in Nigeria and West Africa, Akwaaba African Travel Market, is gearing up to celebrate two decades of shaping the landscape of travel and tourism on the continent. The organisers have announced the dates for the 2024 event which has been scheduled for September 22 to 24 in Lagos, Nigeria and promised an extraordinary experience that will bring together over 50 countries.
The founder, Ikechi Uko, said that over the years, Akwaaba has evolved into a pivotal platform that facilitates connections, fosters collaborations, and showcases the diverse offerings of the African travel industry and that the 2024 event promises to be a truly captivating experience, with the participation of more than 50 countries adding a global dimension to the celebration.
He said in addition to the anniversary celebration, Akwaaba will also host its third Medical Tourism Fair concurrently with the main event. This unique feature, he said, underscores the fair’s commitment to addressing diverse aspects of the travel industry, bringing together top hospitals from Nigeria, Ghana, Turkey, Kenya, and other nations. The Medical Tourism Fair will serve as a platform for engagement between stakeholders in the medical industry and participants, fostering discussions and collaborations that contribute to the growth of medical tourism in the region.
“The 2024 edition promises not only a grand celebration of past achievements but also a forward-looking exploration of future possibilities that will shape the trajectory of travel and tourism in Africa for years to come. Over the years, Akwaaba has played host to prominent African leaders, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President, Alex Ekwueme, former President of the Republic of The Gambia, Dauda Jawara, former Commonwealth Secretary, Sir Emeka Anyaoku, President Bola Tinubu, former Minister of Tourism, Frank Ogbuewu, Amb. Bianca Ojukwu, former deputy Tourism Minister of Zimbabwe, Ananstasia Ndhlovu, Tourism Minister of Sierra Leone, Dr. Memunatu Pratt amongst many others.
“Akwaaba has also successfully organised the Africa Travel 100 Awards for women, Youth under 40, Tour Operators, two successful editions of Medical Tourism, Africa Youth in Tourism Conference, Destination Wedding. As we look ahead to our 20th anniversary celebration, the event’s legacy as a catalyst for positive change in the travel and tourism sector is poised to continue,” Ukoh said.
