Akwaaba African Travel Market 2026: Promoting Tourism in Benin and Togo
Every year, tourism professionals, travel businesses, airlines, hospitality brands, government tourism boards, investors, and destination marketers from across Africa gather in one place with a common goal—to strengthen African tourism and create new business opportunities. That gathering is known as the Akwaaba African Travel Market, one of Africa’s most recognized travel and tourism exhibitions.
For more than two decades, Akwaaba has served as a meeting point where African tourism businesses build partnerships, promote destinations, exchange ideas, discover new markets, and celebrate excellence within the industry. Hosted annually in Lagos, Nigeria, the event has become a major platform for connecting English-speaking and French-speaking tourism stakeholders across the continent.
The 2026 edition of Akwaaba African Travel Market will take place from 13th to 15th September 2026 at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos, Nigeria, bringing together hundreds of exhibitors and tourism professionals from across Africa and beyond
More Than a Tourism Exhibition
Unlike a traditional trade fair, Akwaaba is designed to encourage collaboration across every sector of the tourism value chain. Participants include:
- Tour operators
- Travel agencies
- National tourism boards
- Airlines
- Hotels and resorts
- Cruise companies
- Destination management companies
- Investors
- Media organizations
- Tourism entrepreneurs
Throughout the event, participants attend business meetings, exhibitions, destination presentations, networking sessions, training workshops, and conferences focused on growing tourism within Africa. The event also encourages stronger regional partnerships that make cross-border tourism easier and more attractive.
The Africa Travel 100 Awards
One of the highlights of Akwaaba African Travel Market is the Africa Travel 100 Awards, which recognize individuals and organizations making outstanding contributions to African tourism.
The awards celebrate excellence, innovation, leadership, sustainability, and commitment to developing tourism across the continent. For many businesses, receiving this recognition provides increased visibility, credibility, and opportunities for international partnerships.
For the 2026 edition, nominations are open to qualified African tour operators who:
- Have operated for at least five years.
- Sell outbound tours within Africa.
- Have successfully completed at least five African tours in the last 18 months.
- Are based in an African country.
- May self-nominate, provided the nomination is endorsed by a tour operator from another African country.
The awards ceremony will be held during the Tour Operators Summit, one of the major activities of Akwaaba African Travel Market.
GOTA International’s Role in Connecting Benin and Togo to Akwaaba
Since its establishment in 2009, GOTA International has focused on building stronger travel connections across West Africa while promoting tourism, business travel, and destination development. The company has grown into a regional travel organization offering tourism services, visa assistance, airline representation, cruises, business travel, and destination management across Benin, Togo, Nigeria, and other international markets.
GOTA International also serves as the official Akwaaba African Travel Market representative for Benin and Togo, helping tourism stakeholders from both countries participate in one of Africa’s leading tourism events. Over the years, the organization has supported tourism businesses by facilitating participation, creating networking opportunities, and increasing international visibility.
This role reflects GOTA’s broader mission of connecting African destinations, promoting regional tourism, and creating opportunities for businesses to grow beyond their local markets
Why This Matters for Benin and Togo
Benin and Togo possess rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, beaches, festivals, wildlife, and growing hospitality sectors. However, international visibility remains one of the greatest challenges facing many tourism operators.
Events such as Akwaaba African Travel Market provide an opportunity for local tourism businesses to:
- Showcase their destinations to international buyers.
- Build partnerships with tour operators across Africa.
- Meet investors and industry stakeholders.
- Promote cultural tourism.
- Increase cross-border travel.
- Learn from industry experts.
- Position Benin and Togo within the wider African tourism market.
As regional tourism continues to expand, greater collaboration between neighboring countries will play an important role in attracting more visitors and strengthening the West African tourism ecosystem
Supporting Participation at Akwaaba 2026
For tourism professionals, travel agencies, destination marketers, hotels, and tour operators in Benin and Togo interested in participating in Akwaaba African Travel Market 2026 or seeking nomination for the Africa Travel 100 Awards, GOTA International provides guidance throughout the process.
Support includes:
- Registration assistance
- Border and travel protocol guidance
- Transportation coordination
- Accommodation support
- Participation planning
- General travel advisory services
By making participation more accessible, GOTA International continues to help tourism businesses from Benin and Togo connect with the wider African travel community and take advantage of opportunities that extend beyond national borders..
Looking Ahead
African tourism continues to evolve through collaboration, innovation, and stronger regional partnerships. Platforms such as Akwaaba African Travel Market demonstrate how countries can work together to promote destinations, encourage investment, and create sustainable tourism growth.
As the 2026 Akwaaba African Travel Market approaches, it presents another opportunity for Benin and Togo to showcase their tourism potential while strengthening their presence within Africa’s growing travel industry.
Tourism stakeholders interested in participating or learning more about the event can contact GOTA International for guidance and support throughout the registration and participation process.
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