The 20th Akwaaba African Travel Market will take place in Lagos from September 22-24, 2024, featuring the 7th African Youth Tourism Bantaba with Minister Lola Ade-John as Special Guest of Honour. The event will also include the Jollof Rice Challenge and the Fatima Garbati Tourism Outreach Grant.

The 20th edition of the Akwaaba African Travel Market, Africa’s leading tourism and hospitality event, is scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria from September 22 to 24, 2024.

This year’s event promises to be a landmark occasion, featuring a range of exciting highlights and new additions.

One of the major attractions will be the 7th African Youth Tourism Bantaba, where Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, will serve as the Special Guest of Honour.

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Minister Ade-John’s participation underscores the Nigerian government’s commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable tourism development.

She will deliver a keynote address on “Activating The Youth Tourism Potentials of Africa: A Call To Duty,” emphasizing the vital role of young Africans in shaping the future of the continent’s tourism industry.

The African Youth Tourism Bantaba has become a pivotal segment of the Akwaaba Travel Market, offering young tourism enthusiasts, students, and emerging professionals a platform to engage with industry leaders, exchange ideas, and gain valuable insights into the tourism and hospitality sectors.

In addition to the Bantaba, the festival will host the popular Jollof Rice Challenge, kicking off on September 22. Top chefs from hotels across Nigeria will compete for grand prizes, showcasing their culinary skills and celebrating one of Africa’s most beloved dishes.

Another highlight of this year’s event is the awarding of the ₦5 million Fatima Garbati Tourism Outreach Grant. This grant will support selected institutions, brands, journalists, and young tour operators who have made significant contributions to Nigeria’s tourism growth.

The 20th Akwaaba African Travel Market will also welcome new high-profile participants, including Mövenpick Hotel & Residence Nairobi from Kenya, Memorial Healthcare Group from Turkey, and Costa Cruises from Italy. These newcomers will bring fresh perspectives and world-class services to the event.

Set to be held at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos, Akwaaba 2024 will celebrate two decades of shaping Africa’s travel and tourism landscape.

The event has a history of hosting notable figures and tourism experts, including former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, Sierra Leone Tourism Minister Dr. Memunatu Pratt, and the Olota of Ota, HRH Oba Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege.

As Akwaaba continues to foster collaboration and innovation in Africa’s vibrant tourism sector, this year’s edition promises to be a transformative experience for all participants.