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    Medical Tourism Key Attraction of 19th Akwaaba African Travel Market

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    Akwaaba African Travel Market is a success story in tourism and air travel in Nigeria, as it has grown to become one of the few events in the travel and tourism sector that attracts international participants, year-on-year with strong local loyalty.

    Akwaaba has built enviable goodwill in the continent that awards from the events are highly priced and open doors for the recipients within and outside Africa.

    The opening day of the 19th Akwaaba African Travel Market, which was held at Eko Hotel and Suits from September 3-5, 2023 could simply be tagged Cross River day because Cross River State, known as a state reputed for tourism in Nigeria, dominated the opening day. Of course, the event was opened by the Governor of Cross River state, Senator Bassey Otu and the state brought inimitable colour to the event with memorable displays by the Cross River dance troupe. The fanfare and razzmatazz that attended the opening ceremony were memorable excitement to all who attended the event.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 19th Akwaaba, the governor said: “Today, we are here to witness another theme unveiling, which stands our carnival out as an intellectual platform to entertain, educate, and inform our publics and audiences. Carnival Calabar, Africa’s Biggest Street Party has always led the cultural interface and ties with other such great cultural and artistic brands that have evolved distinct identities as Nigeria’s best foot forward in cultural diplomacy and at the same time acting as the pull factor to bring tourists to Cross River State and Nigeria every year. Also, understand that for the second year, the Medical Tourism platform is being activated with a strong partnership with the Turkish group.”

    So, Akwaaba has become a bold signature to Tourism in Africa and as travel is said to buoy tourism globally, the travel industry was not left out but the new niche that is making its mark in Africa is medical tourism.

    It is well known that many Nigerians who travel abroad go for medical checkups and treatment of ailments. Now, the tourism industry is giving medical treatment and ambience of pleasure and adventure to diminish the seriousness imbedded in medical treatment and health service.

    Medical tourism is described as people traveling abroad to obtain medical treatment. Countries, including African nations have established state of the art hospitals with special attention to cater for foreigners who may come for medical service but are also made to sightsee tourism destinations and bask in the euphoria of entertainment and pleasure.

    The third day of Akwaaba was dedicated to medical tourism. A group of Turkish Hospitals, which comprised Medipol Global, Serena Group, Govn Health Group, Turquaz Health, Health Ankara, and Medical Park Group, all in Turkey, pledged to collaborate with Nigerian medical institutions in the country to enhance the medical sector and also meet the medical needs of the citizens.

    “We are ready to cooperation in this manner. We will like to establish a bridge with Nigeria and Turkey. We are ready to provide healthcare service to African countries, starting from Nigeria,” the Turkish medical group stated.

    Also, a delegation of medical experts from Ghana at the Akwaaba meeting highlighted key advantages of medical tourism. In a press statement, the Ghanaian delegation led by Dr. Kobby Appiah- Sayki, President of the African Medical Tourism Council (AMTC) and CEO of Britannia Medical Centre, presented the four core reasons why Ghana stands as a premier destination for medical tourism. Appiah-Sayki explained why Ghana is a destination for medical tourism, which include highly qualified local and internationally trained doctors.

    Appiah-Sayki said: “There is good value for money. Ghana’s medical services offer exceptional value for money. Patients seeking high-quality healthcare can benefit from competitive pricing without compromising on the quality of care received. The AMTC acts as a regulatory body and it also advocates for patients.”

    Appiah-Sayki emphasised that the African Medical Tourism Council plays a crucial role as a regulatory body, ensuring the highest standards of care for patients. AMTC also advocates for patients’ rights and ensures a transparent and ethical medical tourism environment.

    The delegation also said that it was committed to removing all barriers to medical tourism. This includes overcoming challenges related to distance, travel, accommodation, and navigating the healthcare system.

    “Ghana welcomes medical tourists with open arms and strives to make their journey as seamless as possible,” Appiah-Sayki further said.

    Appiah-Sayki also highlighted the African Medical Tourism Council (AMTC) as the driving force behind a transformative journey that offers cutting-edge healthcare with the rich cultural tapestry of Africa. The Council consists of major hospitals in Ghana, including the International Maritime Hospital (IMaH), the Bank Hospital, the University of Ghana Medical Centre Ltd (UGMC) LuccaHealth, Britannia Medical Health Center Jubail Specialist Hospital and the Bethel Dental Clinic.

    Ikechi Uko, the organiser and convener of the Akwaaba Africa Travel and Tourism Market in his key speech at the event, noted that Nigeria has not made strategic plan on the continuity of the travel industry to the future, observing that there is lack of young persons groomed to lead Nigeria’s travel industry in the next generation and encouraged major players in the sector to mentor people to guarantee a future of strong travel industry in Nigeria.

    He also encouraged the players in the tourism industry to invest in educational and medical tourism, saying that it is the future of tourism in Nigeria.

    “For a lot of countries in Africa, I asked them, please can you nominate two or three people in your country that you think are pioneers, inspirational. We gave them the terms and the conditions and our criteria. Unfortunately, most countries couldn’t nominate one person. I didn’t just ask one person, I asked like 10. And why is it that there is nobody here? ‘Oh, the young ones, I don’t think they deserve it, I don’t think they’re good enough, they’re not detailed’, everybody has complaints,” he said.

    Over 30 exhibitors are present at this event, displaying different aspects of the tourism, medical, and hospitality industry.

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    Lagos State strengthens tourism links with UK in push for cultural investment

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    Lagos State tourism UK partnership

    Lagos State engages with the UK to boost tourism and cultural investment, advocating for improved visa policies and international collaboration.

     

     

    In a significant step to enhance tourism and cultural investment in Lagos State, the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, recently met with representatives from the United Kingdom’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT).

    This meeting, held in Lagos, aimed to forge a strategic partnership that would propel the state’s tourism and cultural sectors into new heights.

     

    Also read: World twins festival in Igbo-Ora: A tourism goldmine for Oyo State

     

    During the discussions, Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka addressed critical challenges posed by Nigeria’s current visa regime, which often hampers the influx of potential tourists and investors due to high rates of visa refusals and prolonged processing times.

    She advocated for a more visitor-friendly visa policy, drawing comparisons to successful models implemented by other African nations, such as Rwanda, which has created a competitive visa landscape to attract global visitors.

    Highlighting the unique tourism potential of Lagos State, the Commissioner stressed the necessity for collaboration among the Nigerian government, local stakeholders, and international partners.

    She underscored the importance of promoting the state’s rich cultural assets on a global scale, citing examples from countries like Saudi Arabia, which have successfully revitalised their tourism sectors.

    Mark Smithson, the Country Director of DBT UK, noted that despite Nigeria’s vast array of cultural and natural resources, the tourism sector remains largely underutilised.

    He called for proactive government initiatives to promote tourism, streamline the visa application process, and engage with federal authorities to elevate Nigeria’s status as a premier travel destination.

    In addition, DBT Deputy Country Director Morayo Adekunle emphasised the necessity of appointing a dedicated tourism attaché at the Nigerian High Commission in London.

    This role would enhance ties, facilitate tourism and investment opportunities, and effectively promote Lagos State’s tourism potential within the UK.

    This collaboration marks a promising milestone in Lagos State’s efforts to bolster its tourism and cultural landscape.

    By fostering strategic partnerships and addressing key challenges, the state aims to attract a greater number of international tourists and investors, thereby enhancing its position as a leading cultural hub in Africa.

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    African Nations leverage trade fairs to boost tourism and global exposure

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    African tourism trade fairs

    African nations are using trade fairs to boost tourism, foster collaboration, and attract global attention, positioning the region for growth.

     

     

    African nations, including South Africa, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Nigeria, are strategically leveraging tourism trade fairs to boost their travel industries.

    These events are not only attracting global attention but also driving regional collaboration, which is crucial for sustained economic growth.

    According to *Travel and Tour World*, international and regional tourism trade fairs provide a vital platform for showcasing Africa’s diverse travel destinations.

    These fairs enable local tourism boards, governments, and private sector businesses to connect with global travel professionals, leading to an increase in tourist arrivals and enhanced visibility on the world stage.

    The East African region, in particular, has ramped up efforts post-pandemic to promote its destinations. Trade fairs have become an instrumental tool for presenting Africa’s wildlife, natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure tourism to international audiences.

    The strategic participation of African nations in these events has significantly contributed to the recovery and growth of tourism.

     

    West Africa’s Contribution: Akwaaba African Travel Market

    In West Africa, the Akwaaba African Travel Market, held annually in Lagos, Nigeria, has been a catalyst for tourism growth for over 20 years.

    As the largest travel expo in West Africa, Akwaaba brings together travel professionals and exhibitors from across the globe.

    The event has successfully connected local businesses to international markets, fostering valuable partnerships that drive tourism in the region.

     

    South Africa: A Leader in Tourism Promotion

    South Africa continues to spearhead tourism efforts across the continent. South Africa Tourism (SAT) plays a crucial role in promoting the country as a top destination, especially through its flagship event, Africa’s Travel Indaba.

    Held annually in Durban, this trade show is one of the largest in Africa, attracting exhibitors and buyers worldwide. It serves as a platform for tourism operators, hoteliers, and travel agencies to meet potential business partners and media representatives.

    South Africa’s focus on responsible tourism and sustainability resonates strongly with the growing demand for eco-friendly travel, ensuring that it remains a leader in the African tourism sector.

     

    Rwanda’s Growing Tourism Industry

    Rwanda has seen remarkable growth in its tourism sector, particularly due to its emphasis on conservation and ecotourism.

    Events like the Kigali International Tourism Expo have helped elevate Rwanda’s profile on the global stage, showcasing its iconic gorilla trekking, national parks, and vibrant capital city, Kigali.

    Rwanda is also expanding its focus on Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism, using trade fairs to attract international conferences and business events. This strategic move has positioned the country as a key player in the business tourism sector.

     

    Uganda and Tanzania: Nature-Based Tourism Drives Growth

    Uganda and Tanzania are making significant strides in tourism by showcasing their exceptional biodiversity through regional and international trade fairs.

    Uganda’s Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo has been vital in promoting the country’s eco-tourism offerings, including gorilla trekking and the rich cultural heritage found in its national parks.

    Similarly, Tanzania, with its renowned attractions like Mount Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti, has used the Swahili International Tourism Expo (S!TE) to establish itself as a prime destination for adventure and nature tourism.

    These trade fairs have successfully boosted tourist numbers and enhanced global awareness of East Africa’s rich natural offerings.

     

    Kenya’s Stronghold in Global Tourism

    Kenya, one of the most visited African countries, continues to thrive in the tourism sector through its participation in trade fairs like the Magical Kenya Travel Expo.

    Known for its iconic safaris and coastal resorts, Kenya has been able to maintain its global prominence by using trade shows to promote its tourism products and forge partnerships with international stakeholders.

     

    Regional Collaboration for East African Tourism

    East African countries are increasingly collaborating through tourism trade fairs to promote cross-border travel. Multi-country travel packages, often highlighted at these events, allow tourists to experience multiple destinations, such as safaris that span across Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.

    This regional cooperation strengthens the individual tourism industries of these nations while enhancing the global visibility of East Africa as a top travel destination.

     

    Conclusion: Trade Fairs as Catalysts for Growth

    Trade fairs have proven to be essential tools for African nations looking to boost their tourism industries. By participating in these strategic events, countries such as South Africa, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Nigeria are positioning themselves as premier global travel destinations.

    With continued efforts and collaboration, the African tourism sector is set to experience sustained growth and economic prosperity.

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    Akwaaba African travel market boosts tourism business relationships

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    Akwaaba African Travel Market

    Akwaaba African Travel Market strengthens travel industry connections, helping airlines, hotels, and tour operators grow through networking.

     

    Akwaaba African Travel Market has strengthened business relationships across the travel and tourism industry, connecting airlines, hotels, and tour operators.

    Flyzone Tourism’s Principal Executive, Awomoyi Ayodeji, highlighted its role in fostering networks, boosting growth, and providing a platform for business connections.

     

    Also read: Akwaaba African travel market 2024 to feature African youth tourism Bantaba

     

    The Akwaaba African Travel Market has significantly improved business relationships within the travel and tourism industry, according to Awomoyi Ayodeji, Principal Executive of Flyzone Tourism.

    He explained that Akwaaba plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between airlines, hotels, tour operators, and travel agencies.

    At the recently concluded 20th Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos, Ayodeji stressed that the event provides an excellent platform for business connections.

    Tourism boards, embassies, and other industry players come together at Akwaaba to foster networks and boost the sector’s growth.

    Ayodeji explained that Flyzone connects Nigerian travel agencies with foreign tourism boards, simplifying the visa process due to longstanding relationships.

    Flyzone acts as a middleman between travel agents and tourism boards, helping both parties form lasting business relationships.

    He also shared his professional journey, noting his experience with Belview Airlines and Galileo before founding Flyzone in 2018.

    His vast industry knowledge has enabled Flyzone to expand its connections, including franchises in Kenya and Dubai.

    Flyzone’s niche is in visa facilitation, and Ayodeji highlighted the importance of trust and honesty in their services. They focus solely on services they can deliver, ensuring transparency with their clients.

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