Culture, Arts, Tourism Take Centre Stage at Akwaaba

The 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market concluded recently, highlighting Africa's cultural heritage and tourism potential to the world. Held in Lagos, Nigeria, the three-day event brought together tour operators, exhibitors, airlines, hotels, and agencies from across Africa and beyond. The market featured beautifully decorated stands showcasing the tourism products of various countries, attracting hundreds of visitors.

Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, emphasized the importance of knowledge in promoting tourism, stating that understanding something allows one to promote it. She praised the Akwaaba market for connecting different interests in the tourism sector and for providing an opportunity for Africa to showcase its tourism offerings to the rest of the world.

The founder of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ikechi Uko, expressed his gratitude to the governors of Enugu and Akwa Ibom states, Dr. Peter Mbah and Umo Eno, for their support. He shared the journey of establishing Akwaaba, which began in 1998 with the aim of providing Africans with a platform to market their own tourism products. Despite facing numerous challenges, Uko persisted and in 2003, the Eko Hotels supported his vision, leading to the establishment of the Akwaaba market.

The market's host, Lagos, was described by the First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, as a city of possibilities and a significant part of Nigeria's economy and global appeal. She highlighted the value of Akwaaba in showcasing the richness of Nigerian culture, creativity, and hospitality. Sanwo-Olu particularly commended the Jollof rice war initiative, which celebrates Africa's culinary heritage and connects communities through food.

The Gambia's Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Abdoulie Jobe, welcomed the Ghanaians to The Gambia, emphasizing their role as ambassadors of the smiling coast of Africa.