First West African Tourism fair to open in Nigeria

The first West African Tourism and Culture Fair (WATCF), is to be held at Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital, in Nigeria in February, next year.

WATCF is an innovative programme, designed to help tourism marketing professionals to promote unique cultural heritage in the sub-region.

The fair, which is on the theme: “Promoting Domestic Tourism and Creating Awareness of the Benefits of Tourism,” is being organised by International Business and Event Management (IBEM), Ghana Limited, from February 23- February 25.

Mr Kelvin Fiifi Ampah, Chief Executive Officer of IBEM-Ghana Ltd, in a statement issued to the Ghana News Agency on Monday, said the fair is intended for tourism marketing professionals who share the vision and challenge of increasing tourism promotion within the sub-region.

This, he said, would be done by providing opportunities for bringing enriching, exciting, and authentic experiences to an eager public to expand.

“Travellers are regularly and frequently choosing to incorporate cultural experiences into their itineraries, and choosing their leisure destinations based on cultural merit,” he stated.

WATCF will create a forum for fresh ideas and renewed vitality in the industry through networking, professional development, and mentorship, thereby contributing to a positive growth and strong sense of community participation in the promotion of cultural heritage of their peoples.

The main thematic pillars on which the Fair will rest include the promotion and marketing of Ghana and Ogun State tourism sites; domestic tourism and creation of awareness of the benefits of tourism, and developing strategies for effective marketing promotion.

As part of activities towards the fair, the Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Chief Olu Odeyemi, and his team will be visiting Ghana to strengthen cultural ties.

There will also be an official launch by IBEM Ghana Ltd of Ogun State cultural artifacts like ‘ankara and kampala’ cloths for the Ghanaian market on November 12, this year.

Source: GNA