Sustainable tourism, regional collaboration on frontburner at Accra Weizo
The bustling city of Accra, Ghana, recently became the stage for the 7th edition of Accra Weizo, a prominent travel expo that unites travel industry stakeholders from the West African region and beyond. Held at the Accra City Hotel, this one-day event provided a B2B platform aimed at fostering sustainable tourism, easing travel barriers, and enhancing collaborative efforts amongst industry players in West Africa.
Participants from Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Kenya, and Ethiopia delved into meaningful discussions, sharing experiences and insights to foster sector-wide growth. Ikechi Uko, the event’s organizer and CEO of Akwaaba Africa Travel Market, opened the event by highlighting West Africa’s rich tourism potential. He underlined the need for more intra-regional collaboration to unlock the full potential of West Africa’s travel and tourism sector.
A pre-event road trip across Nigeria-Benin Republic-Togo-Ghana revealed the region’s beauty and highlighted the significance of such journeys in promoting tourism among West African citizens. The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and other voices echoed the sentiment that closer collaboration is key to elevating the travel industry in the region.
Ben Anane-Nsiah from GTA emphasized the importance of breaking barriers and paving the way for a thriving tourism industry that benefits the economy and enriches lives. Alisa Osei-Asamoah, president of the Tour Operators Union Ghana (TOUGHA), commended Accra Weizo’s role in fostering partnerships and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of West Africa. She shared her enthusiasm for the successful experiential tour that highlighted the importance of partnerships and collaboration.
Olanma Ojukwu, CEO of GOTA Voyages in the Benin Republic, stressed the potential of West Africa as a top travel destination with commitment and sustained collaboration. The event also featured speakers and panel discussions on critical industry issues, including setting standards for customer service and enhancing partnership among travel and tour professionals in West Africa.
Priscillia Wellington, CEO of Customer Service Africa, advocated for standardized customer service practices across the region, highlighting its impact on economic growth and customer satisfaction. Topics on the challenges of regional collaboration, including high airfares, language barriers, and compliance with regional movement protocols, were thoroughly debated, offering solutions for growth.
Esayas WoldeMariam, Managing Director of Asky Airlines, provided a keynote speech on the challenges of air connectivity in the region, pinpointing high operational charges and taxes as major hurdles to affordable air travel. He urged African governments to follow the lead of their European counterparts in opening skies and borders to enhance travel accessibility.
The event concluded with Asky Airlines being honored as the Best Airline in West Africa, underscoring the airline’s commitment to improving connectivity within the region. Ikechi Uko, in closing, thanked all participants and partners for their contributions and promised an even bigger 8th edition of Accra Weizo, featuring an expanded road trip experience.
The success of Accra Weizo underscores the importance of collaboration, innovation, and dedication towards advancing sustainable tourism and seamless travel in West Africa, showcasing the region’s potential as a leading travel destination on the African continent.
