By Taiye Olayemi
Exhibitors at the just concluded 19th AKWAABA Africa Travel and Tourism Market have commended the organisation of the fair.
The exhibitors who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews said the three-day fair had been impactful on their business as well as educating.
NAN reports that the expo had no fewer that 2,500 delegates from across the globe in attendance.
Aniekan Essienette, Group Marketing Manager, Ibom Air, said the expo was a good melting point for practitioners in the hospitality, tourism and travel industries.
She said it was a season of networking which would translate to growth in the airline’s business.
She advised that for subsequent editions, the organisers could engage more keynote speakers to educate the industry players for further improvement in their businesses
“We have been able to meet with tour operators and travel agents, we have heard their concerns and we have been able to expose them to new initiatives from us as well.
“This is possible through AKWAABA, we are happy and we look forward to the next edition,” she said.
Also, Oyindamola Fashogbon-Ibironke, Marketing Manager, Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort, expressed excitement, saying that she was able to reach out to her targeted audience.
Fashogbon-Ibironke said even as a first time visitor at the fair, she was educated on some businesses in the value chain of tourism, travels and hospitality.
She, however, commended the organiser, Mr Ikechi Uko, for a well organised fair, as she advised that the next edition be held on a weekend.
According to her, this can probably attract more visitors to the expo.
Foluke Femi-Sanda, Senior Brand Manager, Gino Nigeria, commended the organiser of the fair and described it as an interesting and rewarding one, which gave her an opportunity to mingle with international delegates.
Femi-Sanda said the expo had been impactful on the company as revellers became familiar with most of its new products.
Emmanuel Mensah, Manager, Sales and Marketing, Royal Senchi Hotel and Resort, said “I have been attending AKWAABA since 2010, this year’s edition is the best so far, it is most impactful, I am not disappointed at all.”
NAN reports that African cuisines ranging from coffee, condiments and snacks, received huge attention from tourists at the fair.
AGino Nigeria, the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism and Ethiopia displayed cuisines across Africa. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
