The Ghana Tourism Authority in partnership with the West Africa Tourism Organization (WATO) will be hosting the maiden edition of the West Africa Integrated Travel (WAIT) forum from 20th to 21st March 2018 at the Accra International Conference Centre.

WAIT, which is aimed at bringing the process of promoting joint marketing efforts amongst tourism boards and authorities in the sub-region, also seeks to increase awareness of West Africa’s tourism products and other related information.

It is also to provide a platform to draw the attention of related authorities and policymakers for the need to ease up travel blocks within the sub-region. This was according to a release signed by Mrs Felicia Aniagyei, the Ag. Public Relations Manager for the Ghana Tourism Authority.

Topics for panel discussions include, West Africa Integrated Travel – Bridging the Gap to be handled by the Heads of Tourism Authorities in West Africa or their representatives; Cross-Board Travel among the ECOWAS States – Breaking the Barriers; Challenges facing Tour Operators/Tourism Practitioners in West Africa; and Transportation as a catalyst for Tourism Development.

Panellists for the discussions will also include leading tour operators in West Africa such as Mr Ikechi Uko of Akwaaba Travel Fair, Nigeria, Mr Efotobo Awhana Avantgarde Tours, Mr Ladi Ani – Mumuney of Translynx, Nigeria and Mr GS Balogun of ATBOWTON.

Other speakers are representatives of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, STC (Ghana), ABC Transport (Nigeria), Ghana Ports and Harbours and Nigeria Aviation.

There would also be statements by Madam Ola Wright, the founder of WATO, the Dean of Ambassadors West Africa and the Hon. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Shirley Ayoko Botchwey, who is the Special Guest for the event. TheHon. Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Catherine Abelema Afeku will deliver the keynote address.

It said, there would be a welcome Cocktail which would proceed the event on March 19, 2018, at the Accra Tourism Information Centre. Mr Akwasi Agyeman, the CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority, would have the welcome address at the main event which commences on Tuesday, 201th March 2018.

WAIT, the release said, would be an avenue to link consumers with products and services across the Sub-region and provide a joint platform for access to information, organise road shows, exhibitions and other joint promotion.