Akwaaba African Travel Market is an annual international travel, tourism and hospitality event that 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 more than 20 countries.
Akwaaba organizers announced a partnership with leading West African travel company Wakanow, for this year’s edition which will take place at the Eko Hotels & Suites Convention Center from October 31 to November 1, 2022.
Akwaaba Day 2, November 1, included experts from different travel and tourism sectors. The Aviation Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, presented the role of the new international airport terminal in increasing tourist arrivals to Lagos.
The CEO of Wakanow, the largest tour company in West Africa, Mr. Bayo Adedeji, was joined by Nigeria’s leading entertainment personality, Edi Lawani, and expert photographer, Dayo Adedayo, to discuss Lagos’s ability to to escalate your attraction.
The General Manager of the largest hotel in Lagos, Eko Hotels and Suites, Mr. Danny Kioupouroglou, represented the hotel industry on the panel. The session was moderated by Ambassador Ikechi Uko and chaired by the Lagos State Commissioner of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Pharmacist Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf.
Lagos State Health Commissioner Prof. Akin Abayomi chaired the Medical Tourism Session. He talked about how medical tourism will be used to attract African diaspora doctors back to the country, as most of them are practicing there. He also mentioned it as a source of job creation for graduates.
Turkey’s Medical Park Group showcased its services at the session. The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) represented the Lagos State Health bids. Emergency Response Africa provided CPR training and certification for the guests.
The youth tourism panel was held on the same day and the best 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 the South African tour operator Ntokozo Gumbi.
This is how the organizers, in association with Turquaz Health, announced the travel partnership with Turkish Airlines, the national flag carrier of Turkey for the 18th AKWAABA African Travel Market. Mr. Akın Carkcı, Turkish Airlines Abuja Director, said: “We are excited to be a part of this great event and look forward to welcoming Turkish medical tourism companies.
This is about to be the start of a new relationship in Turkish Airlines’ continued drive to be the premier carrier on lucrative African routes.”
Turquaz Health is a healthcare organization in Turkey, providing the best medical solution to medical needs with the best quality facilities, state-of-the-art equipment, globally accepted doctors and internationally recognized credentials. Turquaz Health, founded by Idil Saguner and Sureyya Umran Alinak, has experience in adapting hospitals to the needs of patients. They will be using their network and connections to bring the best bands to Africa.
Mr. Ikechi Uko, the organizer of the Akwaaba Travel Fair, praised the partnership, noting that Wakanow is a great African brand and one of the largest travel companies in Africa. He commented: “We are happy to partner with such a powerful organization to grow tourism and travel in Africa. Partnering with Wakanow for this year’s event is special because this year marks the return of the Africa Travel 100 Women’s Award at the Akwaaba African Travel Market. We will be joined by influential women from over 25 countries in Africa for the awards. Wakanow and Akwaaba are winning brands from Africa.”
Also commenting on the strategic partnership, Mr. Bayo Adedeji, Wakanow MD/CEO, noted that Akwaaba resonates with the Wakanow brand. “Wakanow is about defining the future in the travel industry, opening new doors and fostering the creation of easier travel, and we are proud to be a part of an event that celebrates what we stand for as a brand.”
Carlos Faith
