Akwaaba African Travel Market is an annual International travel, tourism and hospitality event which has become one of the top 5 travel events in Africa and the leading tourism marketing platform in West Africa. Over the years, it has attracted exhibitors from over 20 countries.
The Organisers of Akwaaba announced a partnership with leading travel company in West Africa Wakanow, for this year’s edition which was held at the Convention Centre of Eko Hotels & Suites on 31st October to the 1st of November, 2022.
Day 2 of Akwaaba on the 1st of November included experts drawn from different sectors of travel and tourism. The Nigerian Aviation Authorities FAAN presented the role of the new International airport terminal in growing tourists arrivals to Lagos.
The CEO of Wakanow, the biggest travel company in West Africa Mr. Bayo Adedeji was joined by the leading entertainment personality in Nigeria Edi Lawani and the expert photographer, Dayo Adedayo to discuss the capacity of Lagos to scale its attraction.
The General Manager of the biggest hotel in Lagos, Eko Hotels and Suites Mr. Danny Kioupouroglou represented the hospitality sector on the panel. The session was moderated by Ambassador Ikechi Uko and was chaired by the Lagos State Commissioner of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Pharmacist Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf.
The Lagos State Health Commissioner, Prof. Akin Abayomi headlined the Medical Tourism Session. He talked about how medical tourism will be used to attract African medical practioners in the Diaspora back to the country as most of them are there practicing. He also mentioned it as a source of job creation for graduates.
The Medical Park Group from Turkey showcased its services at the session. The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) represented Lagos State Health offerings. The Emergency Response Africa offered CPR training and certification for guests.
The Youth Tourism Panel was held the same day and the hottest young tourism talents in Nigeria discussed the Topic “Tourism, Passion or Business?” Super Guide Anago Osho, Travel teacher Oludayo Gideon, Bolaji Seun, Cordis Umeokoli, Mariam Iyiola, Funke Ogunkoya, Daniel Bello, Kingsley Nwachukwu and Aminat Akanbi led the team. The moderator was South African travel operator Ntokozo Gumbi.
This is as the organisers in partnership with Turquaz Health announced the travel partnership with Turkish Airlines, the national flag carrier airline of Turkey for the 18th AKWAABA African Travel Market. Mr. Akın Carkcı, Turkish Airline’s Abuja Director said, “We are excited to be a part of this great event and we look forward to welcoming Turkish medical tourism businesses.
This is poised to be the start of a new relationship in the continuous drive of Turkish Airlines to be the premier airline in the lucrative African routes.”
Turquaz Health is a health organisation in Turkey, which provides the best medical solution to medical needs with the best quality facilities, cutting edge technology equipment, globally accepted medical doctors and internationally recognized credentials. Turquaz Health founded by Idil Saguner and Sureyya Umran Alinak are experienced at matching hospitals to the needs of the patients. They will be using their network and connections to bring the best groups to Africa.
Mr. Ikechi Uko, the organizer of the Akwaaba Travel Fair, has lauded the partnership noting that Wakanow is a great African brand and one of the biggest travel companies in Africa. He remarked, “We are happy to associate with such a powerful organization to grow tourism and travel in Africa. The partnership with Wakanow for this year’s event is special because this year marks the return of the Africa Travel 100 Women’s award at Akwaaba African Travel Market. We will be joined by women of high influence from over 25 countries in Africa for the awards. Wakanow and Akwaaba are winning brands of Africa.”
Also commenting on the strategic partnership, Mr. Bayo Adedeji, MD/CEO, of Wakanow, noted that Akwaaba resonates with the Wakanow brand. ‘Wakanow is all about defining the future in the travel industry, opening new doors, and fostering creating ease of travel, and we are proud to be a part of an event that celebrates what we represent as a brand’.
Charles Faith
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