By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Nov. 27, 2025 (NAN) Emirates has received the Travel Gold Award of Excellence for Connecting Africa to the World for its contribution to tourism, trade and cultural exchange.
The award was presented at the Africa Tourism and Creative Economy Expo (AFTCREE) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism.
Organisers said the honour recognises Emirates’ sustained investment in Africa’s tourism and creative sectors through long-term partnerships with governments and tourism bodies.
Earlier this year, Emirates expanded collaboration with African tourism authorities, including Nigeria’s Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy.
The partnerships support Nigeria’s tourism agenda to upgrade infrastructure, expand hospitality and enhance air connectivity with global markets.
Paulos Legesse, Emirates Country Manager for Nigeria, said the award reflects travellers’ trust and the airline’s commitment to seamless, world-class service.
He said Emirates has long connected Nigeria to Dubai and more than 150 global destinations, supporting business, leisure, education and cultural exchange.
AFTCREE, organised by Africultour Limited with the ministry, held under the theme: “Optimising Africa’s Comparative and Competitive Advantage for Accelerated Trade and Economic Growth.”
The event also unveiled Culture Meter, a new tool designed to track Africa’s tourism index and measure progress across the sector.
Chuks Akamadu, CEO of Africultour, praised Emirates for raising travel standards and strengthening regional tourism and global connectivity.
He said AFTCREE will continue to provide a platform for African nations to leverage cultural and creative assets for trade, investment and sustainable growth.
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, operates Airbus A380s, A350s and Boeing 777s to over 150 destinations.
In Nigeria, Emirates runs daily Dubai–Lagos flights, supporting tourism, trade and wider economic development across Africa. (NAN)
