West Africa Tourism

🌍 Parcerias de Turismo
O crescimento não acontece isoladamente. Parcerias sólidas criam destinos mais fortes, melhores experiências e maiores oportunidades para todos.

A WATO conecta os principais atores do turismo na África Ocidental, fomentando a colaboração que impulsiona o crescimento sustentável e o sucesso compartilhado em toda a região.

Juntos, estamos construindo um futuro turístico mais conectado e competitivo.

🌍 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀

La croissance ne se fait pas isolément. Des partenariats solides permettent de créer des destinations plus attractives, des expériences enrichies et de meilleures opportunités pour tous.

WATO met en relation les acteurs du tourisme en Afrique de l'Ouest, favorisant une collaboration qui stimule une croissance durable et un succès partagé dans toute la région.

Ensemble, nous construisons un avenir touristique plus connecté et compétitif.

The University of Greenwich and the West Africa Tourism Organisation (WATO) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding to drive sustainable tourism growth across West and Central Africa.

This strategic partnership focuses on collaborative research, knowledge exchange, and expanding educational opportunities to support the long-term development of the region's tourism sector.

𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀

From 22–26 June 2026, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI), through Connect Barbados will bring together global tourism leaders, tour operators, travel professionals, and destination partners for one of the Caribbean's leading B2B tourism marketplaces.

WATO is proud to be participating in this important gathering as part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening tourism, business, and cultural ties between West Africa and the Caribbean.

As Barbados welcomes the world, Connect Barbados provides a valuable platform to build partnerships, foster trade opportunities, and deepen connections between Africa, the Caribbean, and the global diaspora.

We look forward to meaningful engagements and new opportunities that will help shape the future of tourism across both regions.

🌍 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀
Growth doesn't happen in isolation. Strong partnerships create stronger destinations, better experiences, and greater opportunities for all.

WATO connects tourism stakeholders across West Africa, fostering collaboration that drives sustainable growth and shared success throughout the region.

Together, we're building a more connected and competitive tourism future.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗴𝗼, 𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁.

For the first time, a scheduled commercial flight has directly connected West Africa and the Caribbean, bringing two regions bound by history, culture, and ancestry closer than ever before.

On 24 May 2026, flyairpeace operated its historic Lagos–Barbados service aboard a Boeing 777, carrying over 284 passengers and marking a major milestone in Africa–Caribbean connectivity.

For millions across the Caribbean whose roots trace back to West Africa, this is more than a new route; it is a bridge reconnecting people, heritage, tourism, trade, and opportunity.

As Africa and its Sixth Region, the Diaspora, continue to strengthen ties, this landmark connection opens new possibilities for travel, business, cultural exchange, and tourism growth between Nigeria, Barbados, and the wider regions.

A historic journey. A shared heritage. A new era of connection.

While iconic attractions draw visitors, the most meaningful travel experiences often happen beyond the landmarks. Engaging with local communities, participating in cultural activities, and learning everyday traditions provide deeper connections and a richer understanding of a destination. Travel becomes more rewarding when we experience the people behind the places.

Look past the landmarks to find the real magic.

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘓𝘦𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘚𝘵 𝘏𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘢

Meet Jonathan, a giant tortoise who has just set a Guinness World Record as the oldest known living land animal on Earth at an astonishing 194 years old!

Hatched around 1832, Jonathan arrived on St Helena in 1882. He was roaming the Earth before the invention of the lightbulb, the telephone, and the car. Today, he still happily relaxes on the lawns of Plantation House, a living bridge to our past and a true icon of endurance.

Long live Jonathan!

Food is one of the most authentic ways to experience a destination. Every dish reflects the history, traditions, and identity of a people.

From bustling food markets to family recipes passed down through generations, culinary experiences connect visitors to local communities and create lasting memories. Exploring West Africa through its flavours is a journey worth taking.