Akwaaba African Travel Market | |
---|---|
Status | Active |
Genre | Exhibitions, conference, workshops and awards. |
Frequency | Annually |
Location(s) | Lagos, Nigeria |
Years active | 2005- present |
Participants | African countries, airlines, hotels, resorts, tourism boards, national parks, transport companies, destination marketers, travel and tour operators |
Attendance | 10,000 |
Organized by | Akwaaba Travel Market Limited |
Website | africantravelmarkets |
Akwaaba African Travel Market (AFTM) is an international travel, tourism and hospitality event organized annually in Lagos, Nigeria[1] aimed at businesses, investors, governments decision - makers and buyers in the industry, providing business opportunities, industry news and showcasing products in Africa and around the world.[2] It serves as a platform to trade and network. Akwaaba African Travel Market is the first travel market in West Africa.[3][4]
The first Akwaaba African Travel Market (AFTM) was held in Lagos in 2005.[5]
In 2005, from the participation of two countries, Ghana and Sao Tome, coming to Nigeria for the event in the debut year in 2005,[6] the event has grown over the years with increasing number of active exhibitors within and outside Africa, with over 20 participating countries, about 10,000[7] attendance and having partnerships with Africa countries tourism boards,[8] World Tourism Organization UNWTO, Africa Travel Association (ATA), Kwanza Trade Marketing of Dubai, African Business Travel Association (ABTA), International Tourism Trade Fair Association (ITTFA) and International Air Transport Association (IATA). [9][10]
As quoted by Akwaaba African Travel Market organizer, Ikechi Uko: "The fair has opened the door to Nigeria and Africa tourism markets and served as a platform for exchange of cultural and tourism potentials among participating countries".[11][12]