Yemisi Izuora
Top Africa’s airline, tour operators and travel agencies are in Nigeria as the 21st edition of Akwaaba African Travel Market open in Lagos on Sunday.
The event also gathered tourism boards, travel practitioners and industry stakeholders from across Africa.
The three-day expo is organised by Akwaaba Travel Market Ltd. in partnership with Wakanow, Air Peace, Interswitch, Lagos State and Gambia will hold from September 14 to September 18.
It promises to be a gathering of airlines, travel agents, tour operators, hospitality brands, content creators and tourism boards from various African countries.
The expo, which opened with exhibitions, also featured a culinary competition – the ‘Jollof Rice War’, and an awards ceremony.
The jollof rice war was among 10 chefs, who explored various flavours of jollof rice, including asun, native, ofada, seafood and coconut infused.
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Earlier, the Convener, Ikechi Uko, said the programme had been carefully curated to deliver maximum value for over 3,000 participants expected at the event.
“Akwaaba, recognised as West Africa’s only international travel and exhibition and one of the largest in Africa, continues to play a pivotal role in promoting intra-African travel, trade and cultural exchange.
“This year’s edition promises to be historic as it will host the highest collection of airlines at any travel expo in Africa, reinforcing its position as a hub for aviation connectivity and partnerships in the continent,” he said.
Dr Abisoye Fagade, the Director-General (DG) of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), who used the platform to congratulate Nigerian Chef Hilda Baci on her recent feat, cooking the largest pot of jollof rice, described the delicacy as Nigeria’s gift to the world.
The DG, announced that the institute plans to host an event for the Guinness World Record for the world’s longest dining table in December.
The Founder of Taste of African Vibes, Jibola Abati, highlighted the role of travel content creators in promoting destinations.
Abati, who is also the Convener of the African Travel Content Creator Conference, urged governments to collaborate with the creatives to give the continent the deserved visibility.
“They have been using their resources to promote Nigeria.
“Material support and partnerships will encourage them to do more,” he said.
Governor Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti received ‘The Tourism Governor of the Year’ award, while the state was awarded the ‘Most Active Tourism State’.