Tourism: Akwaaba Travel Market Thrills Foreign Delegates with Lagos Tour, Showcasing Rich Heritage and Aquatic Splendor

The 20th edition of the Akwaaba African Travel Market, held in Lagos in 2024, will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most memorable travel exhibitions in recent years.

For two decades, Akwaaba has stood as the largest travel expo in West Africa, continuously promoting tourism within the continent, connecting key industry players, and showcasing Africa’s vast tourism potential.

The 2024 edition, marking the event’s 20th anniversary, drew thousands of tourism professionals, enthusiasts, and stakeholders to celebrate two decades of collaboration, cultural exchange, and innovation in African tourism.

The event, which officially kicked off on Sunday, September 22, was graced by King Okatakyie Nana Amin I, the first President of the Royal Chiefs Association of Ghana and CEO of NAAG Travel and Tours, who declared it open. With three days filled with networking opportunities, discussions on boosting inter-Africa tourism, and promoting seamless travel across the continent, the time finally came for the delegates to experience Lagos firsthand in a tour designed to highlight the city’s unique offerings.

The Tour Experience: A Journey Through Lagos

At 7:30 a.m., delegates from Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania and other African nations began gathering at Eko Hotel and Suites, which served as the meeting point for the highly anticipated Lagos tour. Excitement filled the air as the groups were divided into two, ensuring smooth movement throughout the excursion.

The journey officially began at 9:30 a.m., with the first stop being a ride on the Lagos Blue Line Rail, one of the city’s newest transport innovations. The train ride took the group through Marina and into the heart of Mile 2, one of Lagos’ busiest areas. It provided delegates with a glimpse of the vibrant hustle and bustle of Lagos – the mix of towering skyscrapers, markets, and the more chaotic yet charming parts of the city.

After disembarking at Mile 2, the next adventure was a visit to Kalakuta Republic, the iconic home of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Africa’s legendary Afrobeat pioneer. The trip took delegates through the city’s busy Oshodi Expressway and past the Murtala Muhammed International Airport before reaching Ikeja, where Fela lived until his death.

Kalakuta Republic, now a museum and cultural hub, served as a poignant reminder of Fela’s impact not only on music but also on African politics and social activism.

Led by tour guide Favor, the delegates were taken through Fela’s personal history, from his early years as a budding musician to his political struggles with the Nigerian government, which heavily influenced his music. Memorabilia including his stage outfits, personal effects, and photographs chronicled his arrests and the inspirations behind hit songs like “Zombie,” “Unknown Soldier,” “Yellow Fever,” and “Ojuelegba.” For many delegates, the tour sparked a sense of nostalgia, a reminder of the timeless relevance of Fela’s music and legacy.

Cruise Over Five Cowries Creek: A Breathtaking Finale

The next stop on the Lagos tour was a relaxing boat cruise, offered by Prest Boat Cruise, on the serene waters that surround the city. As the boat glided through the Lagos water, delegates were treated to spectacular views of the city’s waterfront properties, luxurious homes, and picturesque landscapes that gave a new perspective of Lagos as a city with more than just traffic and markets.

Afrobeat music filled the air, energizing the delegates who could do nothing but let loose and dance as they soaked in the beauty of Lagos’ aquatic splendor.

The boat cruise was a fitting finale to a day packed with cultural exploration, historical immersion, and a real taste of Lagos’ dynamic urban life.

The tour showcased Lagos as a thriving metropolis that offers a little something for everyone, from historical landmarks and bustling markets to serene waters and vibrant nightlife.

Conclusion

The Lagos tour, organized as part of the 20th Akwaaba African Travel Market, offered foreign delegates an unforgettable experience of the city’s rich cultural heritage and modern vibrancy. This immersive tour exemplified what Akwaaba has always stood for – promoting Africa’s diverse tourism offerings and strengthening bonds between nations. For the delegates, the tour was not just about sightseeing; it was an eye-opening journey into the heart and soul of Lagos, proving that Nigeria, and indeed Africa, has a wealth of experiences waiting to be explored.

Culled from www.atqnews.com