THE International Tourism Trade Fairs Association (ITTFA) has welcomed a new member – Akwaaba: African Travel Market based in Lagos, Nigeria.
ITTFA is dedicated to the continual development of the travel trade show industry, increasing participation and setting high standards across Europe and worldwide. Recent changes to entry requirements and the annual fee structure mean membership is more accessible to smaller and developing shows, as well as more established ones. This underlines one of the primary goals of the association as it strives to improve travel trade exhibition standards across all markets and help maximise the benefits for both visitors and exhibitors.
Akwaaba: African Travel Market is the only international travel fair in West Africa which has a population of 270 million people in 15 countries, numerous airports and the largest number of travellers in Africa.
The event takes place from October 23 to 25 in Lagos, Nigeria, and is now in its sixth edition. Over the last five years the show has become the most important travel marketing platform in the region drawing attendance from more than 20 countries, including 12 foreign arlines and leading African hotel chains. It is open to all as it is ‘where Africa meets the world’ and has been designated by the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) as the official travel exhibition in Nigeria.
The success of African Travel Market attracted the presence of the former President of the Gambia Sir Dawda Jawara, the former Secretary General of the British Commonwealth Sir Emeka Anyaoku and the former Vice President of Nigeria Sir Alex Ekwueme as guests among more than 10,000 visitors who attended the event last year. It has become a major fixture in the events calendar for Africa, listed by UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organisation) as the only travel event in West Africa. Africa Travel Association (ATA), based in New York, has also signed Akwaaba as its partner event in Africa.
“The organisers of Akwaaba are delighted to belong to the well-respected and influential group of global exhibitions represented by ITTFA,” said Ikechi Uko, CEO of the organising company. “This membership offers us an opportunity to network, learn and operate amongst shows of the highest standards. It offers us the opportunity to provide our audience with the combined experience of our peers in the association thus bringing to the shores of West Africa global best practices in the exhibition business.”