Akwaaba African Travel Market: 20 Years of Shaping the Travel and...
The 20th edition of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Africa’s leading tourism and hospitality event, is set to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, from September 22nd to 24th, 2024.
This year’s event promises to be an unforgettable experience, with a packed agenda that includes the 7th African Youth Tourism Bantaba, a keynote address by Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, and the participation of new global brands.
The African Youth Tourism Bantaba has become a highlight of the Akwaaba Travel Market, providing a platform for young tourism enthusiasts, students, and emerging professionals to interact with industry leaders, share ideas, and gain insights into the workings of the tourism and hospitality sectors.
This year’s theme, “Activating The Youth Tourism Potentials of Africa, A Call To Duty,” underscores the Nigerian government’s dedication to youth empowerment and tourism development.
The Minister’s involvement as Special Guest of Honour signals the government’s support for youth engagement in tourism and its long-term vision for the industry’s role in economic development. The event will also feature the famous Jollof Rice challenge, where chefs from top hotels in Nigeria will compete for mouthwatering prizes.
In addition, the organizers of Akwaaba African Travel Market will be giving out a 5 million naira grant to selected institutions, brands, journalists, and young tour operators, recognized for their contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria’s tourism industry as part of the Fatima Garbati Tourism Outreach Grant. This initiative aims to empower the next generation of tourism leaders in Nigeria.
The 20th edition of Akwaaba African Travel Market will also welcome several 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 prestigious event.
Mövenpick Hotel & Residence Nairobi, renowned for its upscale hospitality and prime location in the heart of Kenya’s capital, will be showcasing its luxurious offerings to a diverse audience at Akwaaba.
Memorial Healthcare Group, a leading private healthcare organization based in Turkey, will highlight the growing intersection of healthcare and tourism, 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 bring world-class cruising experiences to potential travelers from the region.
Last year, more than 25 hospitals participated in the medical tourism expo, with many more indicating interest this year. The 2024 Akwaaba Travel Market promises to be an exciting and transformative event, celebrating two decades of shaping the travel and tourism landscape in Africa.
The event has played host to prominent African leaders, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Alex Ekwueme, and former Tourism Minister of Nigeria, Amb. Frank Nchita Ogbuewu, among others.
Akwaaba has successfully organized various initiatives, including 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.
As Akwaaba African Travel Market looks ahead to its 20th anniversary celebration, the event’s legacy as a catalyst for positive change in the travel and tourism sector is poised to continue.
The 3-day event is scheduled to hold at the prestigious Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos, and promises to attract top government officials, industry leaders, and professionals from across the travel, tourism, and healthcare sectors, making it a pivotal gathering for fostering new connections and exploring innovative opportunities.
Join us at the 20th edition of Akwaaba African Travel Market as we celebrate two decades of shaping the travel and tourism landscape in Africa.
