7th Accra Weizo Holds with Call For Collaboration and Borderless Travel

The 7th edition of Accra Weizo, the annual Travel and Tourism Expo promoting seamless travel in West Africa, was held on 28 June, 2024 with a call from stakeholders to embrace collaboration and healthy competition.

Participants also called for the removal of immigration bottlenecks that have hindered the growth of tourism in the West African subregion. The well-attended international event took place at the prestigious Accra City Hotel in Accra, Ghana.

The one-day event stimulated inspiring and thought-provoking discussions on how to eschew unhealthy competition and embrace mutually beneficial partnerships and collaborations among Travel and Tour Professionals to grow the tourism industry in West Africa.

In attendance were very important dignitaries, including the Vice President of Ghana Tourism Federation, Mr Kwaku Passah, President of Tourism Society Ghana, Mr Joseph Amartey, President of Tour Operators Union of Ghana, Mrs Alisa Asamoah, Executive Director of Service Excellence Foundation, Mr. Caleb Koffle, representatives of the Tour Guides Association in Ghana, Students from the University of Ghana and Accra Technical University, Hotel, Tourism and Catering Institutes, Ghana Traditional Caterers Association, Ghana Tourism Development Company.

Also in attendance were many industry experts, Beauty Queens, tourism boards, tour operators, travel agencies, hospitality companies, destination management companies (DMCs), airlines, travel Influencers, exhibitors, and members of both local and international media.

In his welcome speech, the organizer of Accra Weizo, Mr Ikechi Uzo, noted that West Africa is the most populous region in Africa with over 400 million people and huge tourism potentials which are yet to be tapped.

He noted that, with about 6,000 kilometers coastline, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse cultures, West Africa is yet to realise its tourism potentials. Mr Uko also decried the many immigration bottlenecks at the borders.

Speaking at the panel discussion on the theme: ‘Growing Partnership Among Travel and Tour Professionals in West Africa’, the panelists noted that, to harness its tourism potential, the West African subregion needs more collaborations rather than competition.

However, panelists also advocated for healthy competition to make West Africa a competitive destination for footfalls and to grow tourism beyond each country’s border.

Other highlights of the conference included B2B networking sessions, exhibitions, as well as the annual Balafon Award which recognizes individuals and organizations that have excelled in travel and tourism, and have contributed to the growth of the industry in West Africa. This year's award went to ASKY Airlines.

The 7th Accra Weizo had earlier kicked off on 24 June with an adventurous road trip from Nigeria. The road trip which covered the Nigeria-Benin Republic-Togo-Ghana tourism corridor, saw tour operators from the four countries and members of the media visit several tourist attractions and engage in different activities, including boat cruise on the Volta Lake, painting, canopy walk, hiking, and horse riding, while indulging in exquisite gastronomic experiences.

Organised by Akwaaba African Travel Market, in partnership with Ghana Tourism Authority, Accra Weizo Travel Expo is a travel event that seeks to grow seamless travel and connectivity in West Africa with the ultimate aim of encouraging West Africans to travel within the region. Over the years, Accra Weizo has grown to become one of the biggest travel events in West Africa.