By Aaior K. Comfort

Honoring African Tourism Leaders

Over 100 African tourism practitioners were celebrated with the Africa Travel 100 Global Leaders Award during the 20th Akwaaba African Travel and Tourism Market held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. This year’s event, marking the 20th anniversary, witnessed the highest participation since the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing stakeholders from 15 countries and 29 exhibitors. Countries represented included Gambia, Congo, Kenya, Ghana, Italy, Botswana, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Seychelles, Rwanda, Cameroon, Namibia, Cote d’Ivoire, Togo, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Mauritius. The market, founded two decades ago, serves as a crucial platform for promoting and developing tourism across Africa.

Highlight: The Jollof Rice War

The event’s opening was spiced with a “Jollof Rice War” among nine chefs, judged by tourism queens from various African nations. Nigeria’s Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, emphasized the country’s potential as a global tourist destination, noting that tourism contributed $17.3 billion to Nigeria’s GDP in 2022 and employed 1.91 million people. She also highlighted the sector’s growth, including a 20% increase in domestic tourism and 1.2 million international visitors in 2023.

Ekiti State’s Academic Tourism Initiative

Ekiti State showcased its rich academic heritage, branding itself as the most educated state in Nigeria with the highest number of professors. The state’s pavilion featured academic books, graduation gowns, and historical displays. The Director-General of Ekiti State Tourism Bureau, Mr. Wale Ojo-Lanre, urged tourists to explore the state’s educational tourism, noting the upcoming operational status of the Ekiti State International Cargo Airport in December.

Recognition and Future Prospects

Ikechi Uko, the event organizer, stressed the resilience that has driven the Akwaaba Travel Market, highlighting the need for Nigerian states to prioritize tourism. He announced plans to integrate future expos with other tourism events like the Naija Seven Wonders and Chinet Aviation Expo, aiming to align Nigeria’s tourism sector with global standards. The event concluded with awards for practitioners who have made significant contributions to the sector, including Mr. Patrick Kamanga, Managing Director of Deans Travel Centre Ltd, Kenya, and several others for their roles in promoting intra-African travel and tourism.

Looking Ahead

The Akwaaba African Travel and Tourism Market continues to serve as a beacon for the industry, promoting unity and collaboration among African nations. The event’s success, as noted by Ghanaian traditional ruler David Nana Anim, demonstrates the strong bonds between countries and the shared vision of advancing tourism on the continent.