Dar es salam: Mr. Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey Santana, widely known as Abeiku Santana, was honored as a top tourism professional at the 8th Swahili International Tourism Expo (SITE) held in Tanzania. The event, which took place from October 11-13, 2024, at the Mlimani City Conference Centre in Dar es Salam, saw participation from industry leaders from over 50 countries.

According to Ghana News Agency, the expo served as a platform for stakeholders, exhibitors, and hosted buyers from around the world to explore and invest in Tanzania’s rich tourism sector. Under the theme “Explore Tanzania for a Lifetime Investment and Seamless Tourism Experience,” the expo aimed to showcase diverse tourism opportunities within the country and across Africa.

Abeiku Santana, CEO of Kaya Tours, was among the distinguished professionals recognized for their significant contributions to tourism. During the event, Santana stressed the importance of cultural exchange and the economic benefits of tourism. “It was an honor for me to be in
vited to this Expo, which has unraveled to me the cultural heritage of Tanzania and how tourism is contributing to their economic growth,” Santana remarked.

The President of Zanzibar, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, who officially opened the expo, highlighted the importance of international collaboration. “The participation of key stakeholders in the tourism sector from inside and outside the country will help promote our tourism internationally while also opening up business opportunities between our business owners and their counterparts in the tourism sector,” said President Mwinyi.

The event also included an Investment Forum, which according to President Mwinyi, attracted investors to explore tourism attractions and other sectors vital to the industry’s growth. Following the expo, Santana and a delegation of tourism professionals visited former French Ambassador to Ghana, Madam Anne Sophie Avé, further demonstrating the strong ties and ongoing collaboration in the tourism sector.