West Africa’s largest travel and tourism exhibition fair, Akwaaba Travel Market, in its 20th edition, is set to be a landmark event with high-profile newcomers making their debut.
Mövenpick Hotel & Residence Nairobi from Kenya, Memorial Healthcare Group from Turkey and Costa Cruises from Italy will be participating for the first time, adding a new dimension to this event scheduled to hold from September 22 to 24, 2024, in Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos.
Mövenpick, renowned for its upscale hospitality and prime location in Nairobi, the heart of Kenya, will be showcasing its luxurious offerings to a diverse audience at Akwaaba.
The hotel, which embodies African-themed design and world-class service, is eager to connect with key stakeholders in the African travel market. Joining Mövenpick at Akwaaba for the first time is Memorial Healthcare Group, a leading private healthcare organisation based in Turkey. Memorial Healthcare is known for its cutting-edge medical services and state-of-the-art facilities, and its participation at Akwaaba underscores the growing intersection of healthcare and tourism. The group’s presence at the event highlights the increasing importance of medical tourism within Africa, offering new opportunities for collaboration and growth. Costa Cruises, the only cruise line flying the Italian flag and a member of the Carnival Corporation & plc Group, will also be making its first appearance at the Akwaaba Travel Market.
With a legacy of 75 years, Costa Cruises is celebrated for its Italian style and hospitality, offering unparalleled cruise experiences across the globe. Their participation marks a significant step in expanding their footprint within the African market, bringing world-class cruising experiences to potential travelers from the region.
According to the convener of Akwaaba Travel Market, Ambassador Ikechi Uko, the 2024 edition promises to be an exciting and transformative event, celebrating two decades of shaping the travel and tourism landscape in Africa. “The inclusion of these esteemed new participants not only broadens the scope of the event but also reflects the growing interest of global brands in the African market.”
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.
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 Ahmed Tinubu, former Nigeria Minister of Tourism, Amb. Frank Nchita Ogbuewu, Amb. Bianca Ojukwu, former deputy Tourism Minister of Zimbabwe, Ananstasia Ndhlovu, Tourism Minister of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mrs. Memunatu Pratt and others.
The former and present Governors of Cross River State, Senator Ben Ayade, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu respectively, the Olota of Ota HRH, Oba Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege have at different times been at the tourism fair.
The event has successfully organised various initiatives such as the Africa Travel 100 Awards, Medical Tourism editions, Africa Youth in Tourism Conference, and Destination Wedding, earning recognition with an Award of Excellence in Tourism from the Nigerian Government and UNWTO at the Global Tourism Summit in 2022.