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Akwaaba Travel Market, Lagos (2026)

12/10/2016

World Travel Market WTM London and ITBerlin are the biggest Travel Exhibitions in the World. Akwaaba African Travel Market is the only one in West Africa. The 12th Edition comes up on the 30th of October to the 1st of November. 35 speakers are lined up to share knowledge at the Aviation day and Tourism Day. Meet and Network with companies from Dubai, Bahrain, South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, and ECOWAS. At Eko Hotel and Suites. Don't Miss it .Akwaaba

01/09/2016

COUNTDOWN to the major TRAVEL EXHIBITION IN WEST AFRICA AKWAABA AFRICAN TRAVEL MARKET 2016!! Join US and the rest of the Travel Trade in Africa for this years EVENT HOTEL CONVENTION CENTRE,, Lagos Nigeria Date: 30th October-1st November 2016 See flyers for details.REGISTER NOW!

21/06/2016

ARIK, ASKY, AERO, others to Discuss Aviation in West Africa at Accra Weizo 2016

The Chief Executive Officers of the three leading Airlines in West Africa ASKY ,ARIK and AERO have confirmed participation at the Accra Weizo event scheduled for the 15th of July in Accra Ghana. They will be discussing the increasing challenges faced by Airlines in West Africa.

West Africa has a population of over 300 Million from 15 Countries and over 40 Airports. Despite having the largest Economy in Africa West Africa is very poor in Aviation matters compared to East ,South and North Africa. It cannot boast of a major Aviation hub not to talk of a super Airline. Every Airline comes to West Africa to fill up their balance sheet yet the Airlines in West Africa struggle to maintain profitability. Taxes and policy hurdles cripple profitable operations in West Africa.

These issues will be thrashed out at the Aviation session of the event expected to be Chaired by the DG NCAA supported by his Ghanaian compatriot GCAA,who have all been invited to the event.

Accra Weizo is an event put together by the organizers of Akwaaba African Travel Market with the support of Ghana Ministry of Tourism Culture and Creative Arts. It debuted last year.
The 2016 edition themed: “Seamless Travels in West Africa” will host a discussion session on West Africa as a Single Destination.

The Guest Speaker in the Aviation session is Mr. Henock Teferra, the Managing Director of ASKY Airlines, ASKY Airlines is a pan Africa airline, based in Lome, Togo. He will be speaking on the topic “The Challenges of Running a Successful Regional Airline in West Africa, at the Event.

Other speakers at this year’s event are the Chief Executive Officer of Aero Contractors Limited, Captain Fola Akinkuotu and the Vice Chairman of SAHCOL Mr. Chike Ogeah.

Captain Akinkuotu who was the former Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), is also a pilot, as well as flight and aircraft engineer, and has vast experience in the aviation industry will be heading the team of panelists which include several top aviation experts and government functionaries as they discuss and deal with issues that relate the how theme of this year’s event: “Seamless Travel in West-Africa” during the 2nd Accra Weizo.

Mr. Chike Ogeah served as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Skyway Aviation Handling Company Ltd. Mr. Ogeah is currently the Vice Chairman of Skyway Aviation Handling Company Ltd. Mr. Chike will be speaking on ‘Integrating Airport Operations in West Africa.

Tourism and Travel Leaders from all over West Africa will be meeting in Accra, Ghana on the 15th of July 2016,to discuss The challenges facing Travels in West Africa. Balafon Awards will be held at the closing ceremony of the event.

Recently An informal committee meeting with the Ghana members of the Balafon West Africa Travel Awards was held in Ghana to discuss modalities for the Awards coming up at Weizo 2016. Present at the meeting held at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel Accra were Collins Udolu, Ikechi Uko, Jeanne Donkoh former Hotel GM, Cephas Larbi of Daily Guide, Glory Brisbane of Stellar Travels and Abdallah Mohammed of MetroTV.

Balafon is the West African Travel Awards instituted many years ago by the organisers of Akwaaba African Travel Market. It was set up to recognize individuals who have excelled in Tourism and Travel and who also have contributed yo the growth of Tourism and Travels in the region. But this year 2016 Balafon Awards will become part of Accra Weizo event. The West Africa Award (Balafon) will hold at 5pm, with award categories to include: West Africa Tourism Man of the Year, West Africa Aviation Man of the Year, West African Personality of the Year, and Top 5 Hotels in West Africa. Top 3 Airlines in West Africa and Best International Airlines to West Africa.

To ensure credibility and Transparency in the award selection a multinational committee was set up to shortlist nominees. These nominees will be voted for by the public and winners announced before the event.

The committee includes other Members from Ghana, Nancy Sam President of Tour operators union of Ghana, Ahmed Naaman, VP GHATOF, Abeku Santana super Blogger and Ghana Tourism Ambassador, Dominic Andoh of BF&T, Kojo Bentu Williams Tourism PR wiz kid , Bridget Markwe leading Tour Operator and Andrew Boafo Ghana’s most experienced Hotel marketer. Other members from other countries include Nkereuwem Onung President of NATOP, Ime Udo, Obinna Emelike, Franklin Ihejirika, Demola Ojo, Okorie Uguru, Omololu Olumuyiwa and Wale Olapade. After the short list by the committee the public will be allowed to vote for the winners. Balafon awards comes up on the 15th of July 2016 at Accra Weizo

Accra Weizo is hosted by La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, supported by Ethiopian Airlines, Accra city hotel and Kempinski Gold city Hotel Accra. The 2nd Accra Weizo is themed: “Seamless Travel in West-Africa”. It will be an in-depth look at ways to improve Travel and Tourism growth in West Africa through easy access to towns and cities in West Africa. Improving and simplifying Airport and Border processes; Standardizing Hotel and facilities for tourism through shared vision.

The Tourism session will be on “The Prospect of West Africa as a Single Tourism Destination”. There will be case studies like “SAT Experience in West Africa” by Hloni Pitso, the Regional Manager of South Africa Tourism in West Africa. The session will have as discussants the President of Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP),Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA), National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), and heads of the Tourism Associations from Benin and Togo. It will be moderated by a leading Ghanaian Journalist Abeku Santana

Mr. Ikechi Uko, the Organizer, said Accra Weizo is a one-day Travel Seminar, Awards, Exhibition and the objective is to improve Travel and Tourism growth in West Africa through easy access to towns and cities in West Africa. Over 150 Travel Professionals are expected from all over West-Africa. There will be tours on the 14th and 16th to Cape Coast.

The maiden edition of Accra Weizo in 2015, attracted some global rated expert like Adefunke Adeyemi, Regional-Head, IATA for Africa and the Middle East. She spoke on Intra Africa Air Connectivity, the facts, Challenges and Benefits. Mr. Frank Nneji, Managing Director, ABC Transport Limited, Dr. Kwabena Adjei, Founder Kasapreko Company Limited, Femi Adefope- Head HRG & GSA Delta Airlines in Nigeria were all Speakers at Accra Weizo 2015.

08/06/2016

WEIZO: West African Tourism Leaders to Meet in Accra.

Private Tourism stakeholders in West Africa will be meeting in Accra, Ghana on the 15th of July 2016, at the Accra Weizo event, to discuss Tourism in West Africa. Accra Weizo is an event put together by the organizers of Akwaaba African Travel Market with the support of Ghana Ministry of Tourism Culture and Creative Arts. The 2016 edition themed: “Seamless Travels in West Africa” will host a discussion session on West Africa as a Single Destination.

The session will have as discussants the President of Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP),Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA), National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), and heads of the Tourism Associations from Benin and Togo. It will be moderated by a leading Ghanaian Journalist. Accra Weizo is hosted by La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, supported by Ethiopian Airlines and Accra city hotel.
The 2nd Accra Weizo is themed: “Seamless Travel in West-Africa”. It will be an in-depth look at ways to improve Travel and Tourism growth in West Africa through easy access to towns and cities in West Africa. Improving and simplifying Airport and Border processes; Standardizing Hotel and facilities for tourism through shared vision.

The Guest Speaker in the Aviation session is Mr. Henock Teferra, the Managing Director of ASKY Airlines, ASKY Airlines is a pan Africa airline, based in Lome, Togo. He will be speaking on the topic “The Challenges of Running a Successful Regional Airline in West Africa, at the Event.
The Tourism session will be on “The Prospect of West Africa as a Single Tourism Destination”. There will be case studies like “SAT Experience in West Africa” by Hloni Pitso, the Regional Manager of South Africa Tourism in West Africa.

Other speakers at this year’s event are the Chief Executive Officer of Aero Contractors Limited, Captain Fola Akinkuotu and the Vice Chairman of SAHCOL Mr. Chike Ogeah. Captain Akinkuotu who was the former Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), is also a pilot, as well as flight and aircraft engineer, and has vast experience in the aviation industry will be heading the team of panelists which include several top aviation experts and government functionaries as they discuss and deal with issues that relate the how theme of this year’s event: “Seamless Travel in West-Africa” during the 2nd Accra Weizo.
Mr. Chike Ogeah served as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Skyway Aviation Handling Company Ltd. Mr. Ogeah is currently the Vice Chairman of Skyway Aviation Handling Company Ltd. Mr. Chike will be speaking on ‘Integrating Airport Operations in West Africa. Mr. Ikechi Uko, the Organizer, said Accra Weizo is a one-day Travel Seminar, Awards, Exhibition and the objective is to improve Travel and Tourism growth in West Africa through easy access to towns and cities in West Africa. The event will be taking place at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, Accra, Ghana on the 15th of July, 2016 from 10am-4pm.The West Africa Award (Balafon) will hold at 5pm, with award categories to include: West Africa Tourism Man of the Year, West Africa Aviation Man of the Year, West African Personality of the Year, and Top 50 Hotels in West Africa. La Palm Royal Beach will host the Carnivore night by 7pm, Eat all you can, meat from all nations, dance, dance and party till dawn affair. The Target audience is Travel Professionals in West Africa. Over 150 Travel Professionals are expected from all over West-Africa. There will be tours on the 14th and 16th to Cape Coast.

The maiden edition of Accra Weizo in 2015, attracted some global rated expert like Adefunke Adeyemi, Regional-Head, IATA for Africa and the Middle East. She spoke on Intra Africa Air Connectivity, the facts, Challenges and Benefits. Mr. Frank Nneji, Managing Director, ABC Transport Limited, Dr. Kwabena Adjei, Founder Kasapreko Company Limited, Femi Adefope- Head HRG & GSA Delta Airlines in Nigeria were all Speakers at Accra Weizo 2015.

02/06/2016

Emerald Collection - Zanzibar Brings Tanzania To 12th Akwaaba 2016.

The Emerald Collection-Zanzibar , a group with two luxury resorts in Zanzibar; 5 star luxury Hideaway of Nungwi Resort & Spa (Leading Hotels of the World) on the popular Nungwi beach and the 5 star Dream of Zanzibar Resort, on the beautiful Pwani Mchangani beach will be showcasing at Akwaaba this year. This will be the first brand from Tanzania to exhibit at Africa Travel Market. Both resorts have been built to satisfy those guests seeking an authentic holiday experience, reflected in the architecture and décor that evoke the island’s Arabic and African heritage.
According to Mr. George Kiruku Regional Sales & Marketing Manager, ‘’We decided to exhibit at the Akwaaba 2016 because it’s the biggest Travel Fair in West Africa. Over the last 3 years that we have been in operation, we have noticed a sharp increase in the guests who are coming from West Africa, especially from Nigeria, and this year we decided that it will be a good opportunity for us to exhibit in West Africa, and Nigeria (Akwaaba) was the best option”’.
Mr. Kiruku said that With this we hope to meet a lot of Tour Operators and Travel agents from West Africa, as well as Corporates and Organizations representatives, as well as direct clients and show them what we have to offer in Zanzibar. Kindly visit our stand and get to see what special offers we will be having.
Also, Nike Lake Resort Enugu Nigeria has early announced its participation at the 12th AKWAABA African Travel Market According to Mr. Uche Anusiem, Sales & Marketing Manager, " our Resort is a 3-Star hotel with world class facilities to make your stay a memorable one. It has 210 well- appointed rooms and suites plus 10 self- catering villas suitable for all tastes and budgets and each room overlooking the well- manicured gardens, the resort has 4 indoor and 5 outdoor venues for conferencing and business meetings that meet international standards".
Also Nike Lake Resort is situated on the banks of Nike Lake in Enugu State, Nigeria. It is a short fifteen minutes drive from the local airport and only ten minutes from the city center. With a mission to be one of the best resorts in Nigeria offering international standards, we hope to increase both domestic and international arrivals into the resort and set a reference point in the world class hospitality offering as well as gain maximum exposure in the tourism market." A visit to our stand at 12th Akwaaba Exhibition will convince you. See you there!!" Says Mr. Anusiem

Last Year the 11th edition of Africa Travel Market was first time Dubai Tourism participate. They joined regular exhibitors like Kenya Tourism Board, Rwanda, South Africa Tourism Board, Gambia, Ghana, Ethiopia and Morocco. It also featured rated experts like Seyi Olusanya of Once Upon a Destination, who delivered a paper on Planning a Destination Wedding, Adefunke Adeyemi of IATA Regional Head, Member and External Relations Africa and the Middle East, lectured on Transforming Intra-Africa Air Connectivity and Captain Ado Sanusi, Deputy Managing Director, Arik Air, also delivered a lecture at the Aviation Day that attracted travel agents and tour operators in Nigeria and the West- African Coast, local and international airlines operational in Nigeria, aviation ministries and agencies in Nigeria, aviation analysts and travel, aviation and tourism journalists.
The Hospitality Day featured workshops and presentations by notable individuals in the industry, and topics like Innovation & Payment for the Modern Hotel, Online Booking in Nigeria-How does it Work, Standardizing Hotels across West-Africa were looked into. And finally rounded up by Wine Tasting lecture, titled: How to know Your Wine, delivered by Chief Jerry Rowland of Westlog Nigeria Limited.

Apart from the annual Exhibition which creates effective networking opportunities between the product creators and distributors to expose their Product and services to the Travelling Public in a face to face format, the 12th Akwaaba Africa Travel Market will be hosting the maiden edition of Africa Travel and Tourism Conference with the objective of transferring knowledge covering travel, hospitality and aviation sectors from globally rated experts during the annual travel and tourism exhibition which holds on Lagos annually.

According to Mrs. Rita Ikechi-Uko, the organizer explained that she is ‘delighted about the prospects of this new dimension we are adding to the travel exhibition this year. We are passionate about catalyzing change in the tourism and travel landscape in Africa. This new aspect will definitely be an eye opener for many of the delegates and guest and will position Africa on the path of global relevance on most current information on that sector ‘.

According to her, ‘speakers during the Travel and Tourism Conference will be addressing topics and dealing with issues such as ‘Travel in Africa: Aviation and Immigration a needed Symbiosis, ‘Immigration as a Catalyst for Growth of Travel and Tourism in Africa’, ‘The State of Aviation in frica’, ‘The State of Tourism in Africa’, ‘The Internet and Future of Travel in Africa’, ‘Tourism Planning: a needed tool for Sustainable Tourism Development’, ‘Hotel Standardization and Classification as a tool for Tourism Growth’, ‘Meeting, incentives, conventions and events in Africa’ among other topics’.
The 12thAkwaaba, Africa Travel & Tourism Conference will hold on the 2nd day of Akwaaba, being October 31st and will be open only to registered travel and tourism practitioner. This is an opportunity for all knowledge seekers in area of Tourism, Travel, Aviation, and Hospitality Sector to satisfy their need.

Travel and tourism professionals can register at the website, www.africantravelmarkets.com or email [email protected], either as a hosted buyer or delegate. Delegates are expected from aviation and tourism ministries, commissions and departments, State tourism boards, staff from hospitality firms and agencies and the general public seeking to know more about travels and tourism, and for various trainings and exposures. The organizers would issue certificates to attendeesat the end of the event.

AKWAABA, approved by the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) as the official travel exhibition in Nigeria, is listed by UNWTO, a partner event of ATA and the only member of ITTFA in West Africa. Tour Operators Union of Ghana, the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agents, African Business Travel Association and the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators have all endorsed Akwaaba African Travel Market.

30/03/2016

12thAkwaabaAfTM to host Africa Travel & Tourism Conference 2016

The 12thAkwaaba Africa Travel Market (AfTM) will be hosting the maiden edition of Africa Travel and Tourism Conference with the objective of transferring knowledge covering travel, hospitality and aviation sectors from globally rated experts during the annual travel and tourism exhibition which holds on Lagos annually.
The organizers of the event believes this new development to bevery important part to the event even as they intend to enrich the experiences of both delegates, visitors and stakeholders on most current information that obtains in the practice and operations within the related sectors of the travel and tourism landscape.
Mrs. Rita Ikechi-Uko, the organizer explained that she is ‘delighted about the prospects of this new dimension we are adding to the travel exhibition this year. We are passionate about catalyzing change in the tourism and travel landscape in Africa. This new aspect will definitely be an eye opener for many of the delegates and guest and will position Africa on the path of global relevance on most current information on that sector ‘.
According to her, ‘speakers during the Travel and Tourism Conference will be addressing topics and dealing with issues such as ‘Travel in Africa:Aviation and Immigration a needed Symbiosis, ‘Immigration as a Catalyst for Growth of Travel and Tourism in Africa’, ‘The State of Aviation in frica’, ‘The State of Tourism in Africa’, ‘The Internet and Future of Travel in Africa’, ‘Tourism Planning: a needed tool for Sustainable Tourism Development’, ‘Hotel Standardization and Classification as a tool for Tourism Growth’, ‘Meeting, incentives, conventions and events in Africa’ among other topics’.
The 12thAkwaaba, Africa Travel & Tourism Conference will hold on the 2nd day of Akwaaba, being October 31st and will be open only to registered travel and tourism practitioner. This is an opportunity for all knowledge seekers in area of Tourism, Travel, Aviation, and Hospitality Sector to satisfy their need.
Travel and tourism professionals can register at the website, www.africantravelmarkets.com or email [email protected], either as a hosted buyer or delegate. Delegates are expected from aviation and tourism ministries, commissions and departments, State tourism boards, staff from hospitality firms and agencies and the general public seeking to know more about travels and tourism, and for various trainings and exposures. The organizers would issue certificates to attendeesat the end of the event.

Akwaaba Africa Travel Market will be taking place from the 30th Oct. to the 1st of November 2016 at the Eko Hotels & Suites Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.

Rita concludes that ‘Akwaaba is emerging as, not only an exhibitionbut also, a learning and empowerment opportunity. Global experts, like Dr Auliana P**n of Tourism Intelligence International, one of the Biggest names in travel and rourism research in the World, EranKetter of Israeli Communication and media expert, and a guru on destination branding Paul Cohen, and Bob Bamgboyi, a hotel digital exponent have in the past been lead Speakers at Akwaaba’.

Last Year the 11thedition of Akwaaba featured rated experts likeSeyiOlusanya of Once Upon a Destination, who delivered a paper on Planning a Destination Wedding, AdefunkeAdeyemi of IATA Regional Head, Member and External Relations Africa and the Middle East, lectured on Transforming Intra-Africa Air Connectivity and Captain Ado Sanusi, Deputy Managing Director, Arik Air, also delivered a lecture at the Aviation Day that attracted travel agents and tour operators in Nigeria and the West- African Coast, local and international airlines operational in Nigeria, aviation ministries and agencies in Nigeria, aviation analysts and travel, aviation and tourismjournalists.
The Hospitality Day featured workshops and presentations by notable individuals in the industry, and topics like Innovation & Payment for the Modern Hotel, Online Booking in Nigeria-How does it Work, Standardizing Hotels across West-Africa were looked into. And finally rounded up by Wine Tasting lecture, titled: How to know Your Wine, delivered by Chief Jerry Rowland of Westlog Nigeria Limited.
African Travel Market is the only international Travel Fair in West Africa, a population of 270 Million people with 15 Countries, numerous Airports and the largest number of Travellers in Africa. The event takes place in Lagos, Nigeria and held at the end of October each year.

Over the years, Akwaaba Travel Market has grown to become the most important travel marketing platform in the region drawing attendance from over7,000 to 10,000 Visitors from 20 Countries.

This Travel Fair not only boasts a large amount of visitors but also excels in the promotion of the exhibitors from the region's leading hotels, airlines, travel agents, tour operators and similar industry suppliers who participates in the event.

A vibrant must attend 3-day business to business event presenting a diverse range of destinations to Africa and international travel professionals,it is a unique opportunity for African travel trade market to meet, negotiate, network and conduct businesses with players from elsewhere.
AKWAABA, approved by the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) as the official travel exhibition in Nigeria, is listed by UNWTO, a partner event of ATA and the only member of ITTFA in West Africa. Tour Operators Union of Ghana, the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agents, African Business Travel Association and the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators have all endorsed Akwaaba African Travel Market.

Paul Ukachukwu
Project Officer,
Phone;+2348146288455
[email protected]

23/11/2015

AKWAABA African Travel Market got underway yesterday with the Wedding Show which was declared open by Amb. Bianca Ojukwu. It also had in attendance the Rwandan High Commissioner, NANTA President, NATOP President. The Rwandan dancers were also on hand to thrill the audience. Here are some faces at the event.

11/11/2015

More faces from Akwaaba 2010

10/11/2015

Program for Akwaaba African Travel Market 2015

05/11/2015

Over the years, Akwaaba has enjoyed the presence of Former Presidents, Former Vice President, former governors, Ministers, Director Generals of different parastatals, actors, actresses.. Here are some faces from the 2009 edition.

Akwaaba Travel Market

12/10/2016

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21/06/2016

08/06/2016

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23/11/2015

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