… harps on industry standardisation, regulation
The Akwaaba Africa Travel Market (AATM) today September 14, 2025 opened in Lagos, celebrating its 21st anniversary; two decades of promoting intra-Africa tourism and showcasing the continent’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
The event, held at Eko Hotels in Lagos, Nigeria, brought together industry stakeholders to discuss the growth and future of African tourism.
From Impossible Dream to Reality
Convener of Akwaaba, Amb. Ikechi Uko, reflected on the event’s humble beginnings in 2003, when the concept of Africans travelling to Africa was met with skepticism. “Everybody said it wasn’t possible”, Uko recalled. However, through perseverance and dedication, Awaaba Africa Travel Market has become a leading platform for promoting intra-Africa tourism.
Today, countries like Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ghana, South Africa, and Rwanda are actively promoting their tourism industries, and Africans are increasingly travelling within the continent. Uko emphasised that the future of African tourism is bright, with a vision of 500 million Africans travelling within Africa.
Standardisation and Regulation Key to Growth
Director General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, Dr. Abisoye Fagade, highlighted the importance of standardisation and regulation in the industry. “We must upgrade to globally recognised standards, inspire confidence, attract investment, and guarantee quality”, Fagade said.
The National Association of Tour Operators (NAFTA) is driving efforts to ensure institutions and professionals comply with international standards, creating a credible, competitive, and future-ready tourism ecosystem.
Call to Action
Fagade emphasised the need for collective action to organise and regulate the industry, presenting a united front to the world. “If we refuse to organise ourselves, we might not be able to get ourselves involved properly,” he warned.
The Akwaaba Africa Travel Market has become a catalyst for promoting African tourism, and its 21st anniversary celebration serves as a reminder of the industry’s potential for growth and development.
As the event kicks off, participants are left with a renewed sense of purpose and a call to action to make African tourism vibrant, diverse, standardised, and trusted worldwide.