The Gambia has step up preparations to celebrate its day at this year's Akwaaba African Travel Market (AfTM).The event, which aims at showcasing newer areas of investment and diversification in its tourism products and destination to potential buyers and sellers at the AFTM, will be powered by the Gambian Ministry of Tourism on Thursday, October 20, 2011.The special three-hour event at Akwaaba will see the Minister of Tourism of The Gambia, Fatou Mas Jobe, making a presentation to culture, entertainment and tourism stakeholders on the strength of the Gambian brand as a premium destination for Nigerians.Last year, the Ghanaian Minister of Tourism, along with former Lagos State governnor, Chief Bola Tinubu, were hosted to a well attended Ghana Day at Akwaaba.However, sponsors of this year's edition of Akwaaba include a leading European carrier with worldwide connections; Lufthansa Airlines joined the NCAA, Southern Sun Hotels, Ethiopian Airlines and South African Airlines as supporters and sponsors of Akwaaba.AfTM is the only international expo in West Africa listed by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) a partner event of African Travel Association (ATA)in the region and the only member of International Tourism Trade Fairs Association (ITTFA) in West Africa. AfTM seeks to make travelling a pleasurably seamless experience in Africa.The change of date is in anticipation of a possible restriction of movement and considering the large number of foreigners expected at this year's event, the organisers have moved the date two days earlier.This comes as more countries and international firms register to participate. Zimbabwe, Chad and Namibia will be first timers at this year's event along with the re-entry of representatives from USA.Also leading airlines and international hotel chains from all over Africa will be attending the only international fair in West Africa.Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agents (NANTA) is partnering with the organisers of Akwaaba to make the event a success.NANTA is the biggest travel association in Nigeria, and the umbrella body of travel agencies will be bringing its members to the event as both sellers and buyers. According to the national publicity secretary of NANTA, Mrs Tinuke Nwakohu, 'NANTAwill participate in Akwaaba, as the event provides a local opportunity for players in the travel trade to network and work together. Travel markets are the lifeblood of travel business globally and cannot be different in Nigeria.' Mr Ikechi Uko, representing the organisers, said 'having NANTA as a partner completes the circle, as our event has partnerships with global associations and having a credible national group like NANTA completes the circle for us. We are excited to tap on their goodwill and expertise.
Click here to read full news..
