The 7th Accra Weizo Conference, held on June 28th in Ghana, organized by AKWAABA African Travel Market and Ghana Tourism Authority, the event brought together delegates from Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, and Benin to explore and discuss the burgeoning travel and tourism industry across West Africa.
The event aimed to foster collaboration and strengthen partnerships among travel and tour operators in the region.
Exploring West African Destinations
Participants had the opportunity to explore various destinations within the four West African countries, experiencing the rich cultural diversity and scenic beauty that the region has to offer. The exploration highlighted the potential for tourism growth and the importance of meeting international standards to attract global visitors.
Attendees included Vice President of Ghana Tourism Federation – Mr Kwaku Passah, President of Tourism Society Ghana – Mr Joseph Amartey, President of Tour Operators Union of Ghana, Mrs Alisa Asamoah, Mr. Caleb Koffle, Executive Director of Service Excellence Foundation, representatives of Tour Guides Association in Ghana, Students from the University of Ghana, Students from Accra Technical University, Hotel, Tourism and Catering Institutes, Ghana Traditional Caterers Association, Ghana Tourism Development Company.
Panel Discussion on Growing Partnerships
The conference concluded with a panel session focused on the theme: “Growing Partnerships Among Travel and Tour Operators in West Africa.” Moderated by Mr. Caleb Koffle, Executive Director of Service Excellence Foundation, the panel featured notable industry leaders:
Shalom Asuquo, CEO of Travelab
Olanma Ojukwu, CEO of GOTA Voyages
Mrs. Alisa Asamoah, CEO of Rialli Consults
Nana Basoah, CEO of BT Express Travels and Tours
Key Insights from the Panelists
Shalom Asuquo emphasized the importance of destination competitiveness, noting that when a destination fails to meet international standards, it can lead to a decline in visitor numbers. “If we don’t work to correct these issues, it will negatively impact our destinations,” Asuquo warned.
Olanma Ojukwu highlighted the need for collaboration despite the benefits of competition. “We are here to bridge the gaps we’ve experienced and extend helping hands. While competition is healthy, we must also focus on partnerships,” she stated.
Alisa Asamoah pointed out that competition drives everyone to improve their standards. “Competition keeps us on our toes. By striving for excellence, we can collectively elevate the quality of our offerings,” Asamoah explained.
Opportunities and Challenges in West African Tourism
The panel also discussed the growing intra-African travel market, with 30% of travelers within the continent exploring neighboring countries. They identified trade promotion as a key driver of tourism, noting that commodities such as eggs, milk, and rice flow between countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Benin, creating opportunities for business tourism.
Encouraging Business Tourism
The panelists agreed that business tourism holds significant potential for the region. By encouraging business-related travel, West African countries can tap into “low-hanging fruits” that could drive economic growth. However, they also acknowledged the challenges faced at border crossings, emphasizing the need for better preparation and adherence to immigration rules.
Proposal for an African Travel Voucher
A notable suggestion was the establishment of a travel voucher system, similar to the Schengen visa, to facilitate easier movement within African countries. This initiative would streamline travel processes and enhance the overall experience for tourists and business travelers alike.
Conclusion
The Accra Weizo platform has played a crucial role in bringing together travel professionals from across West Africa. It has provided participants with the opportunity to stay in luxury hotels, enjoy international cuisine, and build valuable networks. As a result, travel operators in the region are better equipped to meet the needs of tourists and promote West Africa as a premier travel destination.
The 7th Accra Weizo Conference underscored the importance of partnerships and collaboration in driving the growth of the West African tourism industry. By continuing to work together, the region can overcome challenges and unlock its full potential as a vibrant and attractive destination for travelers worldwide.
