Africa: 12th Akwaaba to Host Africa Travel and Tourism Conference 2016

The 12th Akwaaba Africa Travel and Tourism Conference will hold on the second day of Akwaaba, being October 31st and will be open only to registered travel and tourism practitioners. This is an opportunity for all knowledge seekers in area of Tourism, Travel, Aviation, and Hospitality Sector to satisfy their need. Travel and tourism professionals can register at the website, www.africantravelmarkets.com or email akwaabatravelmarket@yahoo.com, either as a hosted buyer or delegate. Delegates are expected from aviation and tourism ministries, commissions and departments, State tourism boards, staff from hospitality firms and agencies and the general public seeking to know more about travels and tourism, and for various trainings and exposures. The organisers would issue certificates to attendees at the end of the event.

Akwaaba Africa Travel Market will be taking place from the 30th October to the 1st of November 2016 at the Eko Hotels and Suites Victoria Island, Lagos.

According to Rita, "Akwaaba is emerging as, not only an exhibition but also, a learning and empowerment opportunity. Global experts, like Dr. Auliana Poon of Tourism Intelligence International, one of the Biggest names in travel and tourism research in the World, EranKetter an Israeli Communication and media expert, and a guru on destination branding Paul Cohen, and Bob Bamgboyi, a hotel digital exponent have in the past been lead Speakers at Akwaaba."

Last Year the 11th edition of Akwaaba featured rated experts like SeyiOlusanya of Once Upon a Destination, who delivered a paper on Planning a Destination Wedding, AdefunkeAdeyemi of IATA Regional Head, Member and External Relations Africa and the Middle East, lectured on Transforming Intra-Africa Air Connectivity and Captain Ado Sanusi, Deputy Managing Director, Arik Air, also delivered a lecture at the Aviation Day that attracted travel agents and tour operators in Nigeria and the West- African Coast, local and international airlines operational in Nigeria, aviation ministries and agencies in Nigeria, aviation analysts and travel, aviation and tourism journalists.

The Hospitality Day featured workshops and presentations by notable individuals in the industry, and topics like Innovation and Payment for the Modern Hotel, Online Booking in Nigeria-How does it Work, Standardising Hotels across West Africa were looked into. And finally rounded up by Wine Tasting lecture, titled: How to know Your Wine, delivered by Chief Jerry Rowland of Westlog Nigeria Limited. African Travel Market is the only international Travel Fair in West Africa, a population of 270 million people with 15 countries, numerous Airports and the largest number of Travellers in Africa. The event takes place in Lagos and held at the end of October each year. Over the years, Akwaaba Travel Market has grown to become the most important travel marketing platform in the region drawing attendance from over7,000 to 10,000 visitors from 20 countries.

This Travel Fair not only boasts a large amount of visitors but also excels in the promotion of the exhibitors from the region's leading hotels, airlines, travel agents, tour operators and similar industry suppliers who participate in the event. A vibrant must attend 3-day business to business event presenting a diverse range of destinations to Africa and international travel professionals, it is a unique opportunity for African travel trade market to meet, negotiate, network and conduct businesses with players from elsewhere.

Akwaaba, approved by the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) as the official travel exhibition in Nigeria, is listed by UNWTO, a partner event of ATA and the only member of ITTFA in West Africa. Tour Operators Union of Ghana, the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agents, African Business Travel Association and the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators have all endorsed Akwaaba African Travel Market.

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5 reasons to skip Lagos and head for Ibadan on a date

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Ibadan is generally regarded as the ugly duckling when compared to popular sister cities in the western parts of the country, especially Lagos. While Lagos is indeed the hub of Nigeria and holds everything essential to keeping a visitor enthralled, Ibadan is also a good idea. Maybe even a better idea than Lagos.

When people think of Lagos, they focus on the peripheral: the great food and the opportunity for shopping, the bustling night life, the myriad tourist sites and fantastic architecture. What many do not know is that Ibadan has many of the same attributes, only with its own twist as well as profound benefits.

No Traffic

Traffic is an everyday occurrence in Lagos and can steal the joy from any commuter’s day. There is no exception to area or time, almost every part of the city has a level of traffic and at almost all times within the day- not just rush hours. It can literally take you 2 hours to cover 1 kilometer in some areas. Commuters have to head out extra early to run errands or cut their fun short so as to get home early. In Ibadan however, this is not a problem. While its inhabitants witness occasion traffic, it is not a standard occurrence and it is certainly not a part of their lives. Unlike Lagos,you can actually have great value for your time while commuting within Ibadan.

Low-cost accommodation

Lagos has a plethora of hotels, from budget to luxury; however, the room rates are most times expensive  when compared to room rates in other parts of the country and thus pose a challenge to travellers, especially budget travellers. In Ibadan, there are upscale hotels that offer same service as upscale hotels in Lagos, however the rates are cheaper. For instance, the The Carlton Gate Hotel, Ibadan, which is rated a 5-star hotel starts from as low as N20,700 on Jovago.com, while Sheraton Lagos Hotel, a 5-star hotel in Lagos, with even a lesser rating on same portal, starts from N48,000. Ibadan also has a number of budget hotel options that offer even more value to travellers.

Micra instead of Moluwe

In Lagos, budget travellers who have to resort to public transport end up with bus options: Moluwe and danfo buses, as the taxi option also comes as steep price. In Ibadan however, public transport is not only even cheaper, but gives the commuter much more privacy and comfort. The popular means of transportation is via Micra, a sedan taxi (not necessarily of Nissan brand as the name suggests) which picks 4-5 passengers per time. Passengers in this sedan painted white with blue stripes pay as low as N50 for certain destinations, a situation not possible with the Moluwe or danfo within Lagos.

Cheaper food

No doubt, Lagos offers a bunch of gastronomic delights for the hungry traveller, however, the food do not come cheap, at least when compared to food in Ibadan. Even though the number of restaurants, cafes, bukkas and fast food joints in Lagos may be larger than the those Ibadan, the cost of consumption is relatively higher. An average meal in a standard lagos (budget) restaurants starts from N1, 000, however in Ibadan, you can get same food with better ambiance for as low as N500. You are able to save more on food while visiting Ibadan without missing out on the local delicacies or sticking to you preferred variety: Chinese, Indian, French, e.t.c.  

A better chance at love

It is no secret that love is hard to find in Lagos. Most of its inhabitants are so focused on making money or building their career and have no time for serious relationships. Single visitors to the city usually assert that the good ‘ones’ within the city are either hooked or taken. In Ibadan however, there is better opportunity at meeting “the one” as there are many options. Also, the restaurants and hang out spots are affordable and you easily can go on dates or engage in activities that encourage love and romance without breaking bank.

By Jovago team

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THE TRUTH ABOUT NIGERIA YOU MUST KNOW.

The country referred to as Giant of Africa is one of the most prominent countries in the world. However, over the years, certain incidents have led to birth and sustenance of certain negative stereotypes that seemingly hang over the country today.

Although most of these stereotypes are mere generalizations, they give a false impression of the country as well as its people, and tend to form the basis on which others her people. If you are visiting Nigeria, it is important to clear your mind of these stereotypes and hold on to the truth.

1. Nigeria is loved by its citizens.

The country is rich in natural resources and quite a number of its citizens not only remain within the country to harness the possibilities on offer, they love and remain patriotic to the country’s cause.

There is the impression that every person from the oil-rich nation is looking for an avenue to travel abroad for greener pastures. Admittedly, there are quite a number of Nigerians in diaspora, however, even those who live outside country visit regularly and eventually return to set up business or retire in the country.

2. The people of Nigeria work hard to earn their living.

Quite a large number of people in this country actually work hard to earn a living. They work decent jobs per day and start business which even grow into big companies. Some of the top richest men in the world are from Nigeria, with their net worth are backed by actual stocks in market.

As is with every other countries in the world, there are bound to be con artistes who swindle wealth off others; a practise most Nigerians frown upon.

3. Education is valued.

They appreciate education so much that a parent is willing to sell his land and property to ensure his or her child is properly educated. Almost every state in the country has at least two tertiary institutions and a myriad of nursery, primary and secondary schools. While many struggle to afford schooling, quite a number are still educated at even to the Masters level.

4. Nigeria is safe.  

With the Civil war of 1967, minor tribal riots and most recently, the rampage of the Boko Haram sect, Nigeria has been labelled by most foreigners as a volatile country.

With the break of any issue, the news media as well as independent columnists seek opportunities to highlight possible conflict or outbreak of war in the country. The nation is represented is such a way that public opinion is classified to reflect discord between local tribes and an advancement in terrorism within the country.

The truth however is that so far, there have been no genocides or war. The country is as safe as most other nations and the government is making fruitful efforts towards containing terrorism.

By Blessing

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The Difference Between Visa and Passport.

VISA

An endorsement on a passport indicating that the holder is allowed to enter, leave, or stay for a specified period of time in a country.

A visa generally gives non-citizens clearance to enter a country and to remain there within specified constraints, such as a time frame for entry, a limit on the time spent in the country, and a prohibition against employment. Some countries do not require a visa in some situations, such as a result of reciprocal treaty arrangements. The possession of a visa is not in itself a guarantee of entry into the country that issued it, and a visa can be revoked at any time.

A visa application in advance of arrival gives the country a chance to consider the applicant's circumstance, such as financial security, reason for applying, and details of previous visits to the country. A visitor may also be required to undergo and pass security and/or health checks upon arrival at the border.

 

PASSPORT

An official document issued by a government, certifying the holder's identity and citizenship and entitling them to travel under its protection to and from foreign countries.

A passport is a travel document, usually issued by a country's government, that certifies the identity and nationality of its holder for the purpose of international travel. Standard passports contain the holder's name, place and date of birth, photograph, signature, and other identifying information. Passports are moving towards including biometric information in a microchip embedded in the document, making them machine-readable and difficult to counterfeit.

A passport specifies nationality, but not necessarily citizenship or the place of residence of the passport holder. A passport holder is normally entitled to enter the country that issued the passport, though some people entitled to a passport may not be full citizens with right of abode. A passport is a document certifying identity and nationality; having the document does not of itself grant any rights, such as protection by the consulate of the issuing country, although it may indicate that the holder has such rights. Some passports attest to status as a diplomat or other official, entitled to rights and privileges such as immunity from arrest or prosecution, arising from international treaties.

Many countries normally allow entry to holders of passports of other countries, sometimes requiring a visa also to be held, but this is not an automatic right. Many other additional conditions, such as not being likely to become a public charge for financial or other reasons, and the holder not having been convicted of a crime, may be applicable. Where a country does not recognise another, or is in dispute with it, it may prohibit the use of their passport for travel to that other country, or may prohibit entry to holders of that other country's passports, and sometimes to others who have, for example, visited the other country.

Some countries and international organisations issue travel documents which are not standard passports, but enable the holder to travel internationally to countries that recognise the documents. For example, stateless persons are not normally issued a national passport, but may be able to obtain a refugee travel document or the earlier "Nansen passport" which enables them to travel to countries which recognise them, and sometimes to return to the issuing country. A country may issue a passport to any person, including non-nationals.

A passport is often accepted, in its country of issue and elsewhere, as reliable proof of identity, unrelated to travel.

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6 awesome ways to plan a smooth road trip

Traveling as a group can be fun especially if you are with friends, family or colleagues.

If you there is a wedding, christening, retreat, conference, religious convention, or vacation around the corner, rather than sojourning alone, it is safer and enjoyable to travel with other people who share the same interests.

 

While this serves as a prudent means to trim the expenses accrued on each trip, planning this nature of travel could be time-consuming and frustrating. If poorly organised, the journey could go awry.

To prevent this incident from occurring, here are 6 exciting tips on how to put together a smooth trip for a group of people.

1 Agree on a price

This is the first thing that should be agreed upon when planning. Depending on the cost of renting the bus and the number of people who have signified their interest in embarking on the trip, a fair amount distributed evenly among the party can be contributed.

Also, ensure a deadline for payment is agreed upon, with reasonable expiration dates agreed upon.

2 Get a comfortable vehicle

Getting a plane or bus in excellent condition is important. If you want to enjoy your journey without complaining of intermittent stops on the highway or cramps, invest in a ‘good’ vehicle.

In addition, it is key that a driver who is familiar with the route being taken is employed for the journey otherwise you and your fellow travellers may keep running circles and miss the purpose of the trip.   

3 Send reminders

This may be by word-of-mouth or text messages but as long as proper messages on the schedule of the trip is communicated to the right people on time, you should have detailed feedback from your team before setting out. Reminders can include date, amount in cash required for each trip and the time for departure.

4 Do not leave late

Consider distance, traffic, security and the condition of the road before hitting the road. If it is too late to travel, make suitable prior arrangements to sleepover at a safe stop.  

5 Do not pay the driver early

If the driver is hired for a long period of time, do not make the mistake of paying them immediately you arrive at your destination as he may disappear with the money, leaving you and your friends stranded in an unknown place. This will prompt you to make alternative arrangements.

However, it is important you make the driver happy. If you will be sharing meals during the trip, give him a pack and when making arrangements for a sleepover take him into consideration. You will be guaranteed a smooth trip back to your various homes if you do this.

6 Account for everyone

There have been reports of people going missing when on a group trip. It is better to wait and ensure that everyone is in the bus before you leave. Do not leave anyone behind as if anything happens to them, you will be found culpable

By Jovago team

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Preserving nature at the Afi Moutain Wildlife Sanctuary

Legally established in the year 2000 to protect endangered wildlife, Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary has made inroads in saving the lives of some endangered primates such as the Cross River Gorilla and the  

Nigerian Chimpanzee.

The Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary the result of a concerted effort of several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) but started in 1993 by Pandrillus.org when it initiated a community protection campaign of these primates found in 17 villages surrounding the mountain. Pandrillus got the Cross River State Government to convert a section of the forest reserve to a wildlife sanctuary.

What to see

Drills –

They are closely related to baboons. Drills are a short-tailed monkey that looks similar to a Mandrill but without the red and blue colours on the face of the latter. The male Drills are usually three times bigger than the female in size and can weigh up to 45kg while the female weight far less at just 15kg. The Drill Ranch at the Afi Mountain houses orphaned Drills whose mothers have been killed by hunters. Visitors can have a close look at the Drills in the sanctuary.

Cross River Gorillas

The Cross River Gorillas are the most threatened Ape in Africa. These mammals are found in mountain area on the borders of Nigeria and Cameroon. With only about 300 surviving in this region, these mammals have been hunted almost into extinction. The gorillas are big and can weigh up to 200kg. Apart from the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, the Cross River Gorillas can also be found in Cross River National Park and Mbe Mountains.

Chimpanzee

Another endangered wildlife found in the sanctuary is the Nigerian-Cameroon Chimpanzee. They are an endangered subspecies of Chimpanzee.

How to get to Afi Mountain

For international visitors, you are likely to touch down in Nigeria in any of the four international airports in the country, namely;

• Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos
• Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja
• Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano
• Port Harcourt International Airport, Port Harcourt

From any of these airports, visitors can connect a flight to Calabar then go to the Afi Mountain Sanctuary by road. There are two access routes, from the south and from the north. Averagely, by road the journey takes about 5-6 hours from Calabar while from Obudu Cattle Ranch, it takes just 1.5 hours to get to Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary.

Where to stay in Afi Mountain

Visitors that want comfort can book make hotel reservation in any of the top hotels in Obudu. You can get a decent hotel with good amenities and quality services about one and half hour drive away from Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary.

Tour Tip
To have a smooth experience, visitors are advised to come with mosquito nets, hiking boots, backpack, tent (if possible), food, sleeping pad, a compass (people that have), change of clothing, drinks, etc. Visitors can hire a tour guide for just N1,000. Accommodation at the sanctuary vary from N750  to N6,000 per night with varying amenities.

By Jovago team

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Four (4) Expert Travel Advice you Never Thought of.

Travelling should be fun especially when you have the perfect nuggets at your fingertips. While there may be unexpected situations that may arise whenever you go on vacation to Calabar or on a business trip to Port Harcourt , there are a few important tips every seasoned traveller takes to heart. To help you with a smoother journey, here are some expert tips;

Pack and Unpack
When some persons travel, it is compulsory that they forget something. Perhaps it until they forget their wallet or travel documents before they begin to consciously pack. Packing is supposed to be effortless. To prevent you from leaving any important stuff behind, unpack one-third of your things after packing, you will have a difficult time forgetting anything.

Your Phone Camera Isn’t Just For Selfies

Phones today have been pigeonholed as devices for taking only selfies. But there is much more your phone can do for you aside selfies. Before you leave for the airport, take pictures of emergency contact information, passport, Travel documents, ATM cards, and health insurance cards. This will come handy in case of any travel eventually. In addition, to be safe, you can attach the snapped documents to your email. This to prevent double jeopardy of stolen phone and stolen documents.

Always carry a pen
A ball point pen is inexpensive. Therefore, it doesn’t take you anything to take one along whenever you travel because you will be asked to fill out forms. It will a bit embarrassing for you to form the habit of always requesting a pen.

Staying Safe Has Different Meanings
Staying safe on the road is more about your demeanor and character than about taking extra precautions. The best thing is to be positive and have a confident attitude while traveling local or international in order to make sure you don’t become a target.

If there are any times that you are unsure or get stressed out, that is when you will get into trouble. Stay calm, stay confident, and always walk like you know where you are going, even if you’re lost.



Source: http://www.thenigerianvoice.com/news/205211/4-expert-travel-advice-you-never-thought-of.html

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