The organisers of Abuja Jabama and Akwaaba African Travel Market have unveiled the winners of the first MICE Awards in West Africa.
According to the organiser of the event, MICE is the lowest hanging Tourism fruit for Nigeria and West Africa. For Nation states with Challenges in attracting leisure Tourists. MICE which means Meetings Incentive Conferences and Events is the key to growing Tourism. As Abuja is the highest Ranked Nigerian City it is only appropriate to host the event in Abuja. With the Successes witnessed by Rwanda it is possible to leapfrog your Tourism position using the MICE vehicle.
West Africa has not done well in MICE. According to the global association for meetings ICCA only Accra Ghana is in the Top 10 in Africa. It is ranked Number 9 in Africa. Abidjan and Dakar are ranked 13 while Abuja is Number 15 while Lagos and Lome are outside the Top 20.
It is against this background that the organisers of Akwaaba are launching the first MICE event in Nigeria. The discussions will be on MICE as a concept in Hospitality and the lead Speaker will be Charity Githinji a Kenyan based in Tanzania.
There will be high level panel Discussion on the Adaptation of Global Hotel standards to African Environment with the lead Speakers as Manisch Nambiar GM of Kempinski Gold Coast City Hotel Accra, Paul Kavanagh GM Golden Tulip Hotel Accra Ghana, Christine Platijes GM of De Edge Hotel Port Harcourt, Bennie Fritz GM of Bon Hotel Abuja and Vincent Ugbor the GM of Rockview Hotel Abuja and the President of HOPSEA.
The Tourism panel Discussion will be on Tackling the Challenges of Tour Operations in West Africa anchored by Nancy Sam Quartey President Tour Operators Union of Ghana TOUGHA and Nkereuwem Onung the President of the National Association of Tour Operators NATOP. Cost Control in Midlevel Hotels is the paper by Nnaemeka Agbasi CEO of NAC Hotels. The topic ” Online Travel Agents and Hotels in West Africa” will be discussed by Jumia, Tripberry and Flyboku in a panel.
Awards will be given to the Pioneers of Tourism in Abuja and Best new hotels in Abuja.
The first MICE Awards ever in West Africa will be given to the Champions of the concept in the Region.
The Nominees of the awards are
Travellers Award 2017
Most Active Tourism States in Nigeria
1. Lagos State
2. Cross River State
3.Ogun State
4.Kaduna State
5. FCT
6. Plateau States
7. Ogun State
8. Kano State
9. Kebbi State
10. Osun State
MICE Awards
Platinum Awards
Meetings = Abuja
Incentive = Calabar
Conferences =Lagos
Events =Lagos
Incentive Hotel of the year West Africa = Royal Senchi Resort Akosombo
Conference Hotel of the Year West Africa = La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra
Event Hotel of the Year West Africa = Eko Hotel and Suites
MICE Company of the year = TBI Nigeria
Conference City of the year West Africa =Accra Ghana
MICE personality of the year West Africa = Governor Ambode
This comes as the Lagos State Government has expressed its desire to deepen it’s relationship with organisers of Akwaaba African Travel Market for growth of tourism in the state. Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture Lagos, Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola, disclosed this to the Akwaaba team who paid a courtesy call at the commissioner’s office in Lagos. Lagos State returned to Akwaaba this year after 5 years of absence. The Government had hosted all the visiting delegates to a city tour.
The Honourable commissioner celebrated the comeback as it has led to many positive results for both parties. She said the ministry is very proud to associate with Akwaaba and will work towards future projects.
The Ministry in a letter presented to Akwaaba team commended the Organiser of Akwaaba Travel Market for sustaining the event to her 13th year saying that it is In line with the Governors vision of project T.H.E.S.E which is to integrate Tourism, Hospitality, Entertainment/Arts, sports for excellence, the state government identifies with Akwaaba as a sustainable event and will partner for future events. Lagos state will be fully represented at Abuja Jabamah “Hotel and MICE show, including Fam Trip to cover Abuja, Kaduna, Calabar and Lagos 15th -21st November 2017.
