African Travel & Tourism News 08 09 25

Headlines for Travel and Tourism News

Wakanow Partners with Akwaaba Travel Market to Strengthen African Tourism

Ghana Tourism Development Company introduces two innovative web-based platforms aimed at transforming the country’s tourism sector

International tourism is showing signs of renewed growth as more destinations adopt innovative measures to attract visitors

Wakanow, one of Africa’s leading travel technology companies, has announced its partnership with the 21st edition of the Akwaaba African Travel Market, scheduled to take place in Lagos from September 14–16, 2025. The collaboration underscores Wakanow’s commitment to strengthening the tourism industry across Africa by creating seamless travel experiences and enhancing the region’s travel infrastructure.

Akwaaba is widely recognized as West Africa’s largest travel exhibition, attracting more than 3,000 participants annually, including tourism boards, travel agencies, airlines, and hospitality brands. The event provides a critical platform for business networking, cultural exchange, and showcasing the diverse tourism potential that Africa offers.

Founded in 2008, Wakanow has established itself as a trailblazer in African travel technology, offering services such as flight bookings, hotel reservations, visa support, and tour packages. With innovative features like the WakaPoints loyalty program and PaySmallSmall, a financing option that allows travelers to pay for trips in installments, the company has transformed the accessibility and convenience of travel on the continent.

Wakanow’s expansion into Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, the UAE, Canada, and the USA demonstrates its growing global footprint and its determination to make African travel part of the international tourism conversation. The company also operates WakaEvents, a platform for event ticketing, further diversifying its portfolio and aligning with its mission of offering holistic travel solutions.

The partnership with Akwaaba is expected to further strengthen Wakanow’s role as a key player in advancing Africa’s tourism industry.

The Akwaaba African Travel Market continues to stand out as one of the most influential gatherings in West Africa’s tourism calendar. The 21st edition, set for September 14–16, 2025, promises to draw over 3,000 participants, bringing together stakeholders from across the continent and beyond. Travel agencies, airlines, hotels, tourism boards, and government representatives will converge in Lagos to explore fresh opportunities for regional and international travel.

The event is more than just an exhibition. It serves as a hub for discussions on the future of African tourism, providing space for panel sessions, B2B meetings, and cultural showcases that highlight the continent’s diverse offerings. From natural wonders and historic landmarks to modern travel experiences, Akwaaba positions Africa as a leading global tourism destination.

This year’s edition carries a renewed emphasis on promoting intra-African travel, reflecting a growing recognition of the economic and cultural benefits of encouraging Africans to explore their own continent. By doing so, the event not only stimulates domestic tourism markets but also supports local economies and creates opportunities for job growth.

Wakanow’s collaboration with Akwaaba adds significant value to this year’s program. As a company with a strong footprint across multiple continents, Wakanow brings expertise in travel technology, customer engagement, and innovative solutions such as installment-based travel payments. Its involvement underscores the importance of partnerships in pushing African tourism forward.

For stakeholders, Akwaaba provides unmatched networking opportunities, enabling the exchange of ideas and fostering collaborations that can tackle industry challenges. It is also an avenue to showcase Africa’s vast tourism potential to a global audience, attracting visitors, investors, and long-term partners.

The 21st edition is expected to reaffirm Akwaaba’s role as the premier marketplace for African tourism, driving innovation, investment, and growth across the continent.

The connecting service providers directly with both local and international visitors. The platforms, known as the Ghana Tourism Market Place (GTMP) and the Ghana Tourism Investment Platform (GTiP), are designed to bridge the gap between tourists and the wide range of tourism products available in Ghana.

The GTMP platform offers tourists a one-stop hub where they can book accommodation, tours, museums, car rentals, restaurants, and even purchase artworks from the comfort of their homes. This makes it easier for travelers to plan and enjoy their experiences in Ghana without the usual logistical challenges. At the same time, the platform serves as a marketing tool for licensed service providers in the industry, allowing them to showcase their products and services to a wider audience.

A key feature of the GTMP is its ability to ensure instant payouts for service providers whenever bookings are made, creating a seamless and transparent system that benefits both tourists and businesses. Together with the GTiP, which focuses on creating opportunities for tourism investment, the initiative reflects GTDC’s commitment to boosting Ghana’s tourism ecosystem, encouraging growth, and making the country’s diverse attractions more accessible to the world.

International tourism is showing signs of renewed growth as more destinations adopt innovative measures to attract visitors while making travel seamless and accessible. Across the globe, countries are investing in digital platforms, improving infrastructure, and diversifying experiences to keep up with changing travel trends. 

The resurgence of cultural festivals, eco-tourism, and heritage-focused travel is reshaping the industry, giving travelers opportunities to immerse themselves in authentic local experiences rather than traditional sightseeing alone.

In Europe, many countries are witnessing an influx of visitors drawn by cultural landmarks, art, and gastronomy, while Asian destinations continue to thrive with a mix of heritage tourism and modern leisure hubs. Africa, which has long been considered an emerging tourism frontier, is steadily carving out its place in the international market with events, improved connectivity, and investment in technology-driven travel platforms.

The Middle East remains a hotspot for luxury tourism, driven by mega infrastructure projects, sporting events, and world-class hospitality. Meanwhile, the Americas are attracting millions through diverse attractions ranging from natural wonders and vibrant cities to adventure tourism. Global industry players are also adapting to new expectations, with sustainability becoming a priority for both governments and tourists, ensuring that tourism development goes hand-in-hand with environmental protection and cultural preservation.

International tourism continues to demonstrate its resilience, and as travel becomes more interconnected, the sector is poised to play an even greater role in stimulating global economies, promoting cultural exchange, and fostering stronger international ties.

Source : African Travel & Tourism News