By Justina Okpanku
No fewer than 20 airlines and travel firms are participating at the ongoing Akwaaba African Travel Market, a tourism exhibition taking place at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, Nigeria.
Wakanow, a leading travel agency in Nigeria, joined other traditional exhibitors in the 21st edition of the leading travel Expo in the West African sub- region.
Air Peace, which is a new entrant at the travel event, slugged it out with Ibom Air, which enjoyed visibility at the show that began Sunday.
Eko Hotels and Suites Lagos was the perfect host hotel.
Apart from exhibiting at Akwaaba, the hotel management obviously deployed more staff to its Eko Convention to ensure travellers enjoy better hotel experience.
Chef No. 6, who is one of the winners of the Jollof Rice War, said he dedicated his award to Eko Hotels for being supportive.
“I really appreciate the Eko Hotels for all they have been doing since Sunday.”
Lagos Tourism, which is the marketing arm of Lagos State government as a tourism destination for business and for pleasure, also opened for business but their staff were seen setting up their stand on the Day 2 of the exhibition. However, they displayed materials that highlighted Yoruba lifestyle, artworks, and their unique destinations pictorially.
Cross River State made a huge difference.
“We have bounced back,” says Mr. Gab Onah, the Chairman of Calabar Carnival. Traveltech companies like Interswitch had a good outing with a huge number of visitors stopping at their stand for updated on information technology.
African destinations like The Gambia and Tanzania must have had a successful outing.
The icing on the cake was Ekiti State government participation. Wale Ojo-Lanre-led delegation to 21st Akwaaba Travel Market meant business. Theirs was one of the most-visited stand at the tourism exhibition.
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The organisers had announced that Air Peace, Lagos State, Gambia, Wakanow, and Interswitch are their sponsors for this year’s edition of the exhibition.
The Akwaaba Travel Market team which prides the exhibition as “West Africa’s only International travel and tourism exhibition and one of the largest in Africa,” stated that the annual Expo continues to play a pivotal role in promoting intra-African travel, trade, and cultural exchange.”
The president of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Mr. Ikechi Uko said earlier that
“This year’s edition promises to be historic as it will host the highest collection of airlines at any travel expo in Africa, reinforcing its position as a hub for aviation connectivity and partnerships on the continent
“Over 3,000 participants are expected to attend this year’s event, ranging from tourism boards, airlines, hotels, travel agencies, insurance firms, logistics companies, and government representatives, to international buyers and industry professionals.”
He continued, “The exhibition will also run side by side with the 5th Chinet Aviacargo Conference, creating synergy between the tourism and air cargo sectors.”
The insurance conference promoting cargo and exports,
was well attended.
Indeed, the programmes at the Expo have been carefully curated to deliver maximum value.
A lot of visitors had stormed the venue of the event on
Day One, Sunday, September 14, 2025.
The opening ceremony was popular as a competition christened ‘Jollof Rice War’ thrilled both delegates and visitors.
The Expo focused on the business side of travel.
Senior Presidential Advisor for Tourism, Uganda, Lilly Ajarova, was pencilled to speak at 21st Akwaaba African Travel Market.
The exhibition’s highly anticipated B2B session (business meeting between firms and visitors) also held alongside product launches.
Uko said, “Since its inception, Akwaaba has grown into a global platform, providing opportunities for networking, business development, cultural promotion, and knowledge exchange. event has consistently attracted participation from leading African destinations, global travel brands, and key industry stakeholders.”
He added that “Akwaaba continues to be the melting pot of Africa’s tourism, aviation, and hospitality industries. The African Travel Market is poised to further cement Lagos as Africa’s leading tourism and business hub while also boosting opportunities for airlines, hospitality providers, and local entrepreneurs in the sector.”
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