6th Accra Weizo Holds with Bliss, Splendour and Grandeur

There was splendour, grandeur, and a great delight today, 26 May 2023 as the annual Accra Weizo Travel Expo held again, with a call from stakeholders to embrace digital technology and harness the benefits of its applications in the travel and tourism industry. The travel and tourism show made a solid comeback after a 3-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The well-attended international event, which held under the theme: "Tourism Development Through Digitalization: Is The Sub-Region Ready?",  took place at the Accra City Hotel in Accra Ghana. The event stimulated inspiring discussions on how to leverage on travel technology to liberalise movement within the African borders, especially the West Africa.

In attendance were very important dignitaries from different countries, including Ghana Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture represented by the Director Human Resources, Mr. Otto Langmagne, Director General, National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism, (NIHOTOUR), Turaki Nura Kaigiwa represented by Director, General Studies, Mr. Famogbiyele Taiwo, and the Deputy, CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Ekow Sampson.

Also in attendance were industry experts, Beauty Queens, tourism boards, tour operators, travel agencies, hospitality companies, destination management companies (DMCs), travel and tourism students, travel Influencers, exhibitors, and members of both local and international media.

In his welcome speech, the organizer of Accra Weizo, Mr Ikechi Uzo, noted thatWest Africa is the most populous region in Africa with over 400 million people and huge tourism potentials which are yet to be tapped. According to him, despite the enormous challenges, Africa can achieve more with collaborative synergies and cooperation instead of competition.

Highlights of the conference included panel discussions, B2B networking sessions, exhibitions, as well as the annual Balafon Awards which recognizes individuals and organizations that have excelled in travel and tourism, and have contributed to the growth of the industry in West Africa.

The 6th Accra Weizo had kicked off on 23 May with an adventurous fam trip to the Eastern Region of Ghana. The trip saw tour operators and members of the media visit several tourist attractions and engage in different activities, including boat cruise on the Volta Lake, canopy walk, hiking, and horse riding, while indulging in exquisite gastronomic experiences.

Organised by Akwaaba African Travel Market, in partnership with Ghana Tourism Authority, Accra Weizo Travel Expo is a travel event that seeks to grow seamless travel and connectivity in West Africa with the ultimate aim of encouraging West Africans to travel within the region. Over the years, Accra Weizo has become one of the biggest travel events in Ghana.