Akwaaba African Travel Market has made a notable comeback at ITB Berlin, one of the world’s largest and oldest tourism trade exhibitions, marking its return to the global tourism stage after more than a decade away.
The Lagos-based travel expo last participated in the prestigious event in 2012. Its reappearance signals a renewed push by the organisers to reconnect West Africa’s tourism industry with the international travel marketplace and strengthen the region’s presence in global tourism dialogue.
Widely regarded as the only international travel expo in West Africa, the Akwaaba African Travel Market has, for over two decades, provided a platform where African destinations engage directly with international buyers, airlines, hospitality brands and tour operators.
In the past year, the travel fair has intensified its global outreach by participating in several major international exhibitions, including the Kilifair Travel Expo in Tanzania, Magical Kenya Travel Expo, World Travel Market London, and EMITT Istanbul Tourism Fair in Turkey.
Now in its 22nd year, Akwaaba African Travel Market has consistently worked to bring the international travel exhibition experience to West Africa, positioning Lagos as a meeting point for global tourism stakeholders.
Over the years, the expo has also participated in major continental tourism showcases such as the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo in Bulawayo, Africa’s Travel Indaba in South Africa, and the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo in Kampala.
Industry observers say these engagements have helped the organisers benchmark the event against global standards in exhibition management, destination marketing and tourism trade networking.
Founded in 1966, ITB Berlin remains one of the most influential platforms in the global tourism industry, attracting thousands of exhibitors, travel buyers and investors from across continents each year.
Akwaaba’s return to the Berlin exhibition is seen as both symbolic and strategic, reaffirming West Africa’s place in global tourism conversations and reinforcing Lagos’ growing reputation as a regional tourism hub.
As international travel continues to rebound and Africa’s tourism narrative evolves, Akwaaba’s renewed presence at ITB Berlin signals a strong commitment to visibility, integration and competitiveness in the global travel market.