Friday, September 20, 2024 Akwaaba African Travel Market returns to Lagos, Nigeria from September 22-24, 2024, uniting over 20 countries in a premier travel, tourism, and hospitality showcase. The Akwaaba African Travel Market , an international travel, tourism, and hospitality event, takes place annually in Lagos, Nigeria . This premier event attracts businesses, investors, government decision-makers, and industry buyers, offering unparalleled business opportunities, the latest industry insights, and a platform to showcase products from Africa and beyond.
A key objective of this event is to enhance tourism planning and elevate the experience for both local and international visitors. It aligns with the state government’s commitment to providing an annual calendar of events that fosters growth in the tourism sector. Celebrating its 20th edition, the 2024 Akwaaba African Travel Market will be held from September 22nd to 24th at the prestigious Eko Hotels Convention Centre in Lagos .
The event promises to highlight Africa’s vibrant travel and tourism industry, bringing together global leaders and innovators to spotlight the continent’s best offerings. This year’s edition of the Akwaaba African Travel Market is especially remarkable, as it marks two decades of the annual travel fair. Despite the challenges over the years, including the global disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022, Akwaaba remained resilient, continuing to bring together key players in the tourism and travel industry.
In celebration of this significant milestone, African Travel Quarterly News (ATQ News), the event organizers, alongside friends, associates, the Nigerian tourism private sector, and the broader African travel community, are rolling out a grand and colorful celebration. The 20th anniversary, set for September 2024, promises to be a vibrant display of African culture, innovation, and industry excellence. As Akwaaba Travel Market celebrates 20 years, it solidifies its position as a leading platform for promoting Africa’s rich and diverse travel and tourism offerings.
Over the years, Akwaaba has evolved into a vital hub for fostering connections, building collaborations, and showcasing the continent’s immense potential in the global travel industry. This year’s event is set to highlight the remarkable journey of Akwaaba and reaffirm its commitment to advancing the African travel market. In its 20-year history, Akwaaba African Travel Market has welcomed an array of distinguished African leaders, reinforcing its significance in the tourism industry.
Among the notable figures who have graced the event are Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria; Alex Ekwueme, former Vice President of Nigeria; Dauda Jawara, former President of The Gambia; Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary General of the Commonwealth; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Frank Nchita Ogbuewu, former Nigeria Minister of Tourism; Bianca Ojukwu; Anastasia Ndhlovu, former Deputy Tourism Minister of Zimbabwe; Memunatu Pratt, Tourism Minister of Sierra Leone, and others. The event has also been honored by past and present governors of Cross River State, including Ben Ayade and Bassey Otu, along with the Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege. Over the years, Akwaaba has spearheaded various successful initiatives, including the Africa Travel 100 Awards, Medical Tourism editions, Africa Youth in Tourism Conference, and the Africa Travel 100 Awards for women, youth under 40, tour operators, and destination weddings.
These efforts have garnered wide recognition, earning Akwaaba an award of excellence in tourism from both the Nigerian government and the UNWTO during the 2022 Global Tourism Summit. As Akwaaba African Travel Market gears up for its 20th anniversary, it stands as a symbol of resilience, innovation, and lasting impact. This milestone not only celebrates the past but also heralds a future of continued growth and influence in Africa’s tourism and travel sector.
With its rich legacy, Akwaaba remains a catalyst for fostering positive change, driving collaborations, and showcasing the diverse beauty of Africa to the world. Akwaaba African Travel Market 2024 Welcomes New Global Participants from Kenya, Turkey, and Italy For the first time, Mövenpick Hotel & Residence Nairobi from Kenya, Memorial Healthcare Group from Turkey, and Costa Cruises from Italy will be participating in the Akwaaba African Travel Market, adding an exciting new dimension to the event. Scheduled to take place from September 22-24, 2024, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, these esteemed newcomers are set to enhance the scope and prestige of this renowned travel and tourism fair.
Mövenpick Hotel & Residence Nairobi, known for its luxurious hospitality and prime location in Kenya’s bustling capital, will showcase its African-themed design and world-class services to an international audience at Akwaaba. The hotel is eager to establish connections with key stakeholders in Africa’s growing travel market, offering attendees a glimpse into its upscale offerings. Joining Mövenpick is Memorial Healthcare Group from Turkey, a leading private healthcare provider recognized for its cutting-edge medical services and advanced facilities.
Memorial Healthcare’s presence at Akwaaba emphasizes the growing synergy between healthcare and tourism, with a focus on expanding medical tourism opportunities across Africa. Their participation underscores the increasing role of healthcare services in shaping the future of tourism in the region. Costa Cruises, the only cruise line proudly flying the Italian flag and a member of the Carnival Corporation & Plc Group, will also be making its debut at the event.
With 75 years of cruising excellence, Costa Cruises is renowned for its Italian style and top-tier hospitality. Their entry into the African market through Akwaaba signifies a major step toward bringing world-class cruise experiences to travelers from the region. The inclusion of these global brands highlights the expanding interest of international companies in Africa’s thriving tourism market.
According to the organizers, the diverse participation not only broadens the event’s global reach but also reflects the growing potential for collaboration within the travel, tourism, and healthcare sectors. This year’s Akwaaba African Travel Market is poised to attract top government officials, industry leaders, and professionals from across multiple sectors, making it a vital platform for fostering new partnerships and exploring innovative opportunities. Akwaaba African Travel Market: From Humble Beginnings to a Leading Continental Event The Akwaaba African Travel Market, which first began in 2005 with participation from Ghana and São Tomé, has since grown into a premier platform for travel and tourism across the continent.
Over the years, the event has expanded to include participation from over 20 countries , solidifying its status as a key player in promoting African tourism to a global audience. Each year, the Akwaaba African Travel Market attracts representatives from more than 20 nations, including 12 foreign airlines and some of the most prominent African hotel chains. This diverse participation highlights the event’s growing influence and the increasing interest in Africa as a top travel destination.
By fostering connections among stakeholders from across the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors, Akwaaba continues to be a pivotal gathering for industry professionals seeking new opportunities and collaboration across Africa. Africa Leads with Rapid Tourism Growth in 2023 In 2023, Africa emerged as the fastest-growing region in global tourism, with international tourist arrivals reaching an impressive 96% of 2019 levels, according to UN Tourism data. This remarkable recovery marks the highest percentage worldwide, reflecting the continent’s resilience and growing appeal as a travel destination.
The total international tourist movements for the year soared to 66.4 million, further solidifying Africa’s position as a leader in the post-pandemic tourism revival. Exciting Upcoming Events in Africa for 2024 Africa is set to host a series of vibrant and diverse events in 2024, offering something for everyone, from cultural festivals to major trade shows.
Here’s a preview of some of the most exciting upcoming events in Lagos, Nigeria. 1st October: Lagos Freedom Fest 2024 On October 1st, the Lagos Freedom Fest will take place at Old Lagos Prison (Freedom Park) on Broad Street. From 4 to 9 pm, this event will celebrate Nigeria’s independence with a unique mix of art, music, and cultural performances at a historically significant venue.
Another edition will be held at Broad Street, offering a captivating experience in the heart of Lagos. 19th – 25th November: Lagos Fringe Festival 2024 From November 19th to 25th, the Lagos Fringe Festival will bring together a variety of performances, exhibitions, and workshops celebrating Lagos’ dynamic arts scene. Held at two key locations—F5F3+GGP in Lagos State and 34 Iga Idunganran Street—this festival promises a rich showcase of creativity and talent across multiple artistic disciplines.
26th – 28th November: Beauty West Africa 2024 For beauty enthusiasts and industry professionals, Beauty West Africa 2024 will run from November 26th to 28th at the Landmark Centre on Plot 2 & 3 Adeniyi Jones. This leading event offers the perfect platform to explore the latest beauty trends, products, and innovations from across the continent. 24th – 26th September: Big 5 Construct Nigeria 2024 Kicking off on September 24th, the Big 5 Construct Nigeria 2024 will be held at the Landmark Centre on Water Corporation Drive.
This three-day construction trade show will bring together industry experts and businesses, showcasing the latest innovations and opportunities within Nigeria’s growing construction sector. 10th November: ABILITEA Comedy 4.0 On November 10th, comedy lovers can enjoy ABILITEA Comedy 4.
0 at 34 Iga Idunganran Street. This comedy show will bring the best of Nigerian humor to the stage, promising a night of laughter and entertainment. 16th November: Africa Startup Festival 2024 On November 16th, the Africa Startup Festival will take place at the Balmoral Convention Center in Victoria Island.
This all-day event, hosted at the Federal Palace Hotel and Casino, will feature keynotes, panels, and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors eager to explore Africa’s booming startup ecosystem. These events reflect the growing cultural, commercial, and entertainment landscape of Lagos, offering opportunities for locals and international visitors to connect, create, and celebrate. Be sure to mark your calendars for these must-attend events in 2024! Upcoming Conferences in Lagos, Nigeria – September 2024 Lagos is set to host a variety of high-profile conferences in September 2024, spanning diverse fields from applied sciences to public health and education.
Here’s a look at some of the key conferences taking place: These conferences in Lagos offer a wealth of opportunities for professionals across various industries to network, collaborate, and explore cutting-edge research and developments. Restaurants in Lagos, Nigeria near Akwaaba African Travel Market If you are attending the Akwaaba African Travel Market and looking for dining options nearby, here are some great restaurants in the area: Best Hotels to Stay Near Akwaaba African Travel Market For those attending the Akwaaba African Travel Market, these top hotels provide comfort and convenience: These hotels and restaurants offer excellent options for anyone attending the Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos, ensuring a comfortable stay and memorable dining experiences. Airports in Lagos, Nigeria Airlines Flying to Lagos, Nigeria These airlines offer a wide range of flight options, making Lagos a well-connected city for both international and regional travelers.
Top 3 Famous Tourist Spots in Lagos, Nigeria These three spots showcase the artistic, natural, and coastal beauty of Lagos, making them essential destinations for any visitor. As Akwaaba African Travel Market celebrates its 20th anniversary, it solidifies its role as a cornerstone of Africa’s tourism and travel industry. Over the past two decades, the event has attracted key African leaders, forged crucial connections, and actively promoted Africa’s diverse travel offerings on the global stage.
With initiatives like the Africa Travel 100 Awards, Medical Tourism conferences, and youth-focused events, Akwaaba has shaped and influenced the industry’s growth.As the event marks this milestone, it continues to foster collaboration, showcase Africa’s rich diversity, and drive the continent’s growth as a global tourism hub..
