10 countries, 26 speakers line up for Akwaaba 2016

The 12th edition of the Akwaaba African Travel Market (AfTM) slated to hold at the expo centre of Eko Hotel and Suites from October 30 to November 1, 2016, is set to deliver a bumper package to travel, tourism, hospitality, aviation and allied industry stakeholders.

The event which is also the foremost and only serious mice platform for industry players is apt with the 2016 theme, which threw search light on the prevailing problem experienced at the aviation, travel and in extension tourism industry with local and foreign airline closing shop because of Nigeria’s staggering forex policy.

According to the release made available by the organiser of AfTM, Mr Ikechi Uko to Travelpulse&MICE, “the first day which is the opening will start with the traditional vinotourism event, where participants will be treated to wine testing of different brews and brands, while the evening will feature a fashion extravaganza tagged ECOWAS Fashion Show.

“Also the evening will host the top 100 travel and tourism companies to a Travellers Award night with a resounding performance by an African folk singing diva, Ire.”

The day two and three, Uko explained would be an informative and educative session with over 25 industry professionals and players who will be speaking on viral of issues affecting the travel, tourism, aviation and allied industry and the possible ways to make the industry public and private sector driven and economically viable.

“For the state of aviation and why airlines fail, we will be having the likes of Captain Harold Demuren as speaker, while Captain Dapo Olumide, Captain Samuel Thompson, Captain Mike Onokaro, Chris Aligbe and Yomi Jones will be there as panelists, with Richard Aliu Aisuebeogun as the moderator.”

Others include Rick Taylor, Damian Cook, Bob Bamgboye, Madu Chikwendu, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe,, Charity Githinji, Olanma Alvanis Ojukwu, Danny Kioupouroglou, Ayo Olowoporoku and Bankole Bernard, among other professionals.

Apart from exhibitors and other loyal returnees to the travel market, the 12th edition is also welcoming new participating countries which include Bahrain, Namibia, Tanzania and Uganda from Middle East, Southern Africa and East Africa respectively.

“This year Akwaaba will showcase different innovations alongside its normal three-day exhibition, presentation and cultural celebrations by participating countries and groups,” Uko added.