It was a delightful experience for all attendees at the 14th AKWAABA African Travel Market held at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos from the 9th to the 11th of September 2018.

AKWAABA - African Travel market is the biggest Travel & Tourism Show in West Africa hosting exhibitors and buyers to meet with airlines, hotels, restaurants, tour operators, travel agents, state tourism boards, foreign trade and tourism sectors from over 20 countries in Africa and the UAE.

Making a mark this year at AKWAABA was South African Tourism, with its alluring and fascinating destination stand where it engaged with Trade, Consumers and Exhibitors alike, sharing information on the amazing offerings the destination has to offer in line with the focus of the event for this year 2018 which included; introducing and encouraging African tour operators who promote African destinations to Africans, growing future of Aviation in Africa, showcasing wining and dining as a key element of tourism through food fair, wedding destinations, SPA and Wellness across Africa and engaging youths in Africa Tourism & Travel.

At the opening ceremony, Trade Relations Manager: West Africa for South African Tourism, Mr. Mohammed Tanko Kwajaffa received the DG, Nigerian National Council for Arts & Culture (NCAC), Chief Otunba Olusegun Runsewe who declared the exhibition open alongside other top dignitaries from across the continent at the South African Tourism Destination Stand. The DG expressed his admiration saying “We are very proud of South Africa as they made the whole of Africa proud during the World Cup 2010 as the first African Country to host the World Cup”

Mohammed Kwajaffa, explained the huge impact AKWAABA has brought to Africa ‘s travel trade and tourism saying “One of the key game changer at Akwaaba Travel Market this year was the inclusion of the Local &Small scale Tour Operators & Travel Agents to exhibit as it attracted more foot fall from their own clients & followers.”

Kwajaffa extended a huge appreciation to the founder of AKWAABA, Mr. Ikechi Uko for organizing a good event this year and also thanked Stakeholders from National Association of Nigeria travel Agency, Nigeria Association of Tour Operators & Tour Operators of Ghana who visited the stand to show their continued support and partnership “this gave us opportunity to showcase destination South Africa to more than the usual clientele hence reaffirming SAT's commitment to supporting such initiatives & activities in the market. Congratulations to all the award winners of the Top 100 Africa Tour Operators and the organizers for a well-organized event"- he further said.

Also in attendance were NANTA BOT Chairman, Mr Steve Isokarie, NATOP President, Hajiya Bilikisu Abdul, FTAN President, AlhajiRabo Kareem, HATMAN President, Mr Badaki Aliyu Ajayi, NANTA National VP, Mrs Susan,NANTA VP Lagos Zone,Mrs Lola Adewale, NANTA VP Western Zone, Mr Dagunduro Tokumbo all of Nigeria and from Ghana TOUGHA President, Mr Kwesi Eyison, GHATOF Rep, Mr Ahmed Naaman, and celebrities such as Ghanaian famous actor, Van Vicker and Nigeria’s famous Singer, Producer, Actor, Banky W, resounding Nigerian Contemporary Vocalist & Chanter, Ire ‘D’ Stage Diva and many more who visited the South African Tourism destination stand.

AKWAABA was a valuable opportunity for the African Trade Market to network and discuss, trade businesses with others across the continent.