Organisers of the Akwaaba Travel Market have announced that the possibility of ‘Lagos Becoming a Global Travel Destination’ would be a major topic of focus at this year’s edition.
Lagos is one of the Top four visited cities in Africa but its potential ranks it as high as the best destination in the world.
According to the organisers of the 18th Akwaaba African Travel Market, Lagos has a similar identity as the most visited city of Bangkok in Thailand and should be attracting millions of visitors annually.
To discuss this on Day Two of Akwaaba on the 1st of November will include experts drawn from different sectors of travel and tourism.
The Nigerian Aviation Authorities; the Federal Airportrs Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will be presenting the role of the new international airport terminal in growing tourist arrivals to Lagos.
The CEO of Wakanow, the biggest travel company in West Africa Mr. Bayo Adedeji, will be joined by the leading entertainment personality in Nigeria Edi Lawani and the expert Photographer, Dayo Adedayo to discuss the capacity of Lagos to scale its attraction.
The General Manager of the biggest hotel in Lagos, Eko Hotels and Suites Mr. Danny Kioupouroglou, will represent the hospitality sector on the panel.
The session will be moderated by Ambassador Ikechi Uko and will be chaired by the Lagos State Commissioner of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Pharmacist Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf.
The Lagos State Health Commissioner, Doctor Abayomi will headline the Medical Tourism Session and the Medical Park Group from Turkey will showcase its services at the session.
Also the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) will represent Lagos State Health offerings.
The Emergency Response Africa will be offering CPR training and certification for guests.
The Youth Tourism Panel will hold on the same day and the hottest young tourism talents in Nigeria will discuss 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 would lead the team. The moderator will be South African travel operator, Ntokozo Gumbi.
This is as the organisers in partnership with Turquaz Health announced the travel partnership with Turkish Airlines, the national flag carrier airline of Turkey for the 18th AKWAABA African Travel Market.
Turkish Airlines Abuja Director, said: “We are excited to be a part of this great event and we look forward to welcoming Turkish medical tourism businesses.
“This is poised to be the start of a new relationship in the continuous drive of Turkish Airlines to be the premier airline in the lucrative African routes.”
Turquaz Health is a health organisation in Turkey, which provides the best medical solution to medical needs with the best quality facilities, cutting edge technology equipment, globally accepted medical doctors and internationally recognised credentials.
Turquaz Health founded by Idil Saguner and Sureyya Umran Alinak are experienced at matching hospitals to the needs of the patients. They will be using their network and connections to bring the best groups to Africa.
Akwaaba African Travel Market is an annual international travel, tourism and hospitality event which has become one of the top five travel events in Africa and the leading tourism marketing platform in West Africa.
Over the years, it has attracted exhibitors from over 20 countries.
Major highlights of the 2022 travel expo will be the second Edition of the Africa Travel 100 Women Awards, the Youth in Tourism Conference, and the Medical Tourism session.