Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu to Declare Akwaaba Open

The much-anticipated 19th edition of West Africa’s biggest travel expo, Akwaaba Travel Market will kick off in style as the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu is set to declare the famous event open.

The event which is the melting point for exhibition and tourism in the region, is set to draw participation of delegates from over thirty African countries and stakeholders in the Nigerian hospitality and travel industry. 

This is just as the event will be re-igniting the 5th Jollof rice war with various experienced chefs in the hospitality sector set to wet the tastebud of participants with delicious and mouthwatering meals.

The three-day event which is taking place at the Eko Hotel and Suits, Lagos, will be having top government dignitaries, captains of industries, embassy officials, and participation from Turkey, Philippines and the diaspora.

The 19th Akwaaba Travel Market in partnership with Turkish group Turquaz Serenas provides an excellent platform for networking with Health and Tourism Professionals, even as top hospitals in Ghana will be participating for the first time.

Following the success of the 1st Medical Tourism Expo at the 18th Akwaaba African Travel Market in 2022 with the participation of Lagos State Ministry of Health, Turquaz Health Tourism, Turkish Airlines and Medical Park, the event will be bustling with further participation from Turquaz, Serenas and the Ankara Chamber of Commerce.

According to Amb. Ikechi Uko, the Health Ankara stand at the 19th Akwaaba African Travel Market will avail delegates a unique opportunity to explore the exceptional healthcare offerings of Ankara. “Discover the innovative strides being made in medical tourism and experience the future of healthcare firsthand”, he said.

Speaking further, he said the 19th Akwaaba African Travel Market will be an excellent opportunity for Ankara to showcase its healthcare excellence, promote medical tourism, emphasize innovation, and offer delegates a hands-on experience of the city’s healthcare advancements. 

The event will include the Food Fair, Medical Tourism Expo, African Youth Tourism Bantaba and Destination Wedding Expo. According to the organizer, Lady Maiden Ibru, Chairman, Publisher, and Chief Executive Officer of Guardian Newspapers, will be the Guest Speaker for the Africa 100 Under 40 award, which will hold on the 4th of September.

Also, erstwhile Senator, Florence Ita Giwa, will be the Guest of Honour for the Medical Tourism Expo holding on Tuesday 5th of September 2023, with various institutions and professionals in the medical field in attendance. 

Adebayo Adedeji, the Group Chief Executive Officer, of Wakanow, Africa’s leading travel company will be the Guest Speaker for the African Youth Tourism Bantaba which will hold on Tuesday.

Akwaaba African Travel Market an international travel, tourism and hospitality event organized annually in Lagos, Nigeria is aimed at businesses, investors, governments decision – makers and buyers in the industry, providing business opportunities, industry news and showcasing products in Africa and around the world.