Dubai Tourism celebrates successful return to Akwaaba African Travel Market
Dubai Tourism along with 10 partners across medical, hospitality, entertainment, and retail sectors underlined the city’s destination offering at the 13th edition of Africa’s largest travel fair
Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) has concluded a successful return to this year’s Akwaaba African Travel Market, which held in Lagos, Nigeria from September 10-12, 2017. In its third consecutive year of participation at the region’s most prestigious travel trade event, Dubai Tourism reaffirmed its interest in Nigeria and the African continent, with the continued aim to strengthen itsrelationships with key travel partners in the region.
Joined by 10 partners, Dubai Tourism’s stand showcased the city’s ever-growing portfolio of bespoke and affordable experiences for leisure, business and health travellers. Outbound travel operators from across Africa also had the opportunity to learn about the latest additions to the city’s family, shopping and entertainment destinations, as well as, new experiences for African travellers in the coming months.
Speaking in attendance at the event,Stella Obinwa, Regional Director (Africa) for Dubai Tourism, said: “With a five per cent year-on-year increase in visitors from January to July this year when compared to 2016, Africa continues to show its immense potential as a source market for tourists to Dubai. We are very pleased to return to the Akwaaba African Travel Market and meet with new and existing partners from the government and travel trade sector, as we continue to evolve our offering to be the destination of choice for African travellers.”
Following an impressive first half of 2017, Dubai Tourism hopes to capitalise on the popularity of its destinations such as the family-friendly Dubai Parks and Resorts and IMG Worlds of Adventure, the magnificent Dubai Opera and the expansive Dubai Canal. Earlier this year, the city also celebrated the 22nd edition of the popular Dubai Shopping Festival and the fourth edition of the Dubai Food Festival, and concluded the latest edition of Dubai Summer Surprises last month.
More recently, Dubai celebrated the launch of La Perle, the city’s first resident live show, and is set to open the doors to attractions such as Dubai Safari Park and Dubai Frame by the end of the year. Also to come in 2017 are sales such as the Big Summer Clearance Sale and a jam-packed calendar of events, concerts and celebrations in the lead up to 2018.
“As African tourists are increasingly seeking more varied experiences, we are constantly working towards giving them new and different options to enjoy while in Dubai. The city’s extensive affordable luxury offering across hospitality, shopping, dining and entertainment provides multiple reasons to travel to Dubai throughout the year. Through the Akwaaba African Travel Market, we look forward to strengthening our relationships with key travel experts in the region, and work together to further develop Africa as a source market, thereby increasing visitation to Dubai”, Obinwa further said.
Dubai Tourism was joined at the travel fair by select partners including Adonis Tourism; Alpha Tours; American Hospital Dubai; Dubai Health Authority – Medical Tourism Council; Emirates Airline; North Tours; Rayna Destination Management; Thumbay Hospital; Dubai College of Tourism; and Iranian Hospital Dubai.
OBINNA EMELIKE