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    Tinubu orders resolution of disputes with UAE over Emirates Airlines, visa issuance

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    PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has requested that issues concerning relations with Emirates Airline and the issuance of visas to Nigerians be rectified “immediately.”

    The President issued the directives today while receiving the UAE Ambassador, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, at the State House in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja.

    At the State House, Tinubu received Letters of Credence from Al-Shamsi and two envoys. The other envoys are Awall Wagris Mohammed, Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, and Miriam Morales Palmero, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba.

    Nigeria and the UAE have had a long history of limiting flights between the two nations due to unresolved disputes with the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA). Visa restrictions were later announced as a result of the diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and the UAE, a popular destination for Nigerian migrants and tourists.

    According to Tinubu’s spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, the President has stated that he is willing to “personally” interfere in the diplomatic dispute between Nigeria and the UAE.

    “We are a family with UAE, we only live in separate rooms, but we are in the same house. We should look at the issues as a family problem, and resolve it amicably. As you know in every family, there are peculiarities. You can have an erring son, or daughter, but we must work together. We need to agree on core aviation and immigration issues,” the President was quoted as saying.

    On his part, the UAE Ambassador said he already sees himself as a “Nigerian’’ considering the historical antecedents of the country, its long-standing leadership role in Africa, and its reputation for hospitality to strangers.

    “Since I arrived in the country, I have been working on 24 agreements. We are getting somewhere. These are small issues, all within a family, and they will be resolved. I am grateful to be here in Nigeria.

    “I am also very grateful to meet His Excellency, President Tinubu, who is a great leader in Nigeria, and Africa. Please accept me as a Nigerian and consider me a member of your team,” he appealed.

    Travels

    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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