By Chinelo Obogo
The leading travel company in West Africa, Wakanow has signed a partnership with the biggest travel expo in West Africa to deliver the 18th edition of the Akwaaba African Travel Market holding at the Convention Centre of Eko Hotels & Suites from October 31 to November 1, 2022.
Akwaaba African Travel Market is an annual international travel, tourism, and hospitality event which over the years, 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.
The organiser of Akwaaba, Mr. Ikechi Uko, lauded the partnership saying that Wakanow is a great African brand and one of the biggest travel companies in Africa. He remarked, “We are happy to associate with such a powerful organisation to grow tourism and travel in Africa. The partnership with Wakanow for this year’s event is special because this year marks the return of the Africa Travel 100 Women’s award at Akwaaba African Travel Market. We will be joined by women of high influence from over 25 countries in Africa for the awards. Wakanow and Akwaaba are winning brands of Africa.”
Also commenting on the partnership, the Managing Director of Wakanow, Mr. Bayo Adedeji, noted that Akwaaba resonates with the Wakanow brand. “Wakanow is all about defining the future in the travel industry, opening new doors, and fostering creating ease of travel, and we are proud to be a part of an event that celebrates what we represent as a brand,” he said.
Organisers of the fair have decided to prioritise medical tourism and health insurance at this year’s edition because of its increasing importance in Africa. Notable attendees at the session will include hospitals from UAE, India, and other Asian countries. Also, in attendance will be hospitals and medical professionals from Turkiye as that nation is fast becoming the most popular destination for medical tourism with its top-grade facilities and world class care system.
African and Nigerian health management organisations and specialists hospitals are also expected to join their international colleagues for this event. It would be an oppourtunity to interact and learn from these international players on how to scale operations to attract both domestic and international medical tourists. Over 3000 visitors are expected from all over Africa.