Akwaaba Africa Travel Market is taking its Africa-to-Africa tourism campaign to Nairobi, returning as an exhibitor at the 16th Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) from October 6–8, 2026. This move aims to deepen business connections between West and East African tourism operators. The Lagos-based travel fair has spent 22 years connecting African tour operators, hoteliers, aviation players, and other tourism professionals.
The Nairobi participation reinforces Akwaaba’s Africa-to-Africa travel agenda, as the organisers use international travel fairs to create business links and encourage Africans to discover and trade with destinations across the continent. With tourism professionals from more than 20 African countries participating and over 3,000 industry players attending, Akwaaba’s international exhibition strategy centres on creating opportunities for Africans to market destinations, products, and experiences to fellow Africans.
Akwaaba Africa Travel Market will build on its first MKTE participation in 2025, positioning itself not simply as a Lagos event, but as a platform extending African tourism business networks across the continent. The 22-year-old travel fair has become a meeting point for African tourism businesses, connecting tour operators, hotels, airlines, and other travel professionals.
The Nairobi event also fits into Akwaaba’s wider international exhibition circuit, which has included WTM London, ITB Berlin, EMITT Istanbul, Magical Kenya Travel Expo, Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo in Uganda, Kilifair in Tanzania, Sanganai in Zimbabwe, and South Africa Travel Indaba. This strategic participation aims to promote intra-African travel and tourism trade.
The 23rd edition of Akwaaba is scheduled for September 5–7, 2027, in Lagos, continuing its focus on strengthening intra-African travel and tourism trade. This upcoming edition is expected to further solidify Akwaaba’s position as a leading platform for African tourism businesses.
Akwaaba’s participation in the Magical Kenya Travel Expo demonstrates its commitment to promoting Africa-to-Africa tourism. By engaging with tourism professionals from across the continent, Akwaaba aims to create new business opportunities and foster collaboration among African tourism stakeholders.
The travel expo will provide a platform for Akwaaba to showcase its offerings and connect with potential partners. With its extensive experience in the tourism industry, Akwaaba is well-positioned to drive growth and development in the African tourism sector.
Key points
- Akwaaba Africa Travel Market returns to Magical Kenya Travel Expo to deepen business connections between West and East African tourism operators.
- The 22-year-old travel fair aims to promote intra-African travel and tourism trade.
- Akwaaba’s international exhibition strategy focuses on creating opportunities for Africans to market destinations, products, and experiences to fellow Africans.
