Organisers of the Akwaaba Travel Market have announced that the 20th edition of the fair coming up later in the month will be spiced with a grant of N5m under the Fatima Garbati Tourism Outreach to be shared among the Tourism Media, Schools, and Travel Clubs.

It would also inaugurate an annual “Fatima Garbati Award for Tourism Journalism, they disclosed further.

The Outreach Team in the message to the organisers of Akwaaba said: “The whole idea is to support those who have a passion for tourism just like she (Fatima Garbati) did. Fatima Garbati had always supported tourism events and groups.

“She was especially passionate about Akwaaba and never missed one event! So it is only appropriate that we celebrate her memory here at Akwaaba,” adding that the recipients of the grant will be chosen by the organisers of Akwaaba.

Late Mrs. Fatima Garbati was an African Travel 100 award winner. She last served at the NATOP AGM in Ile Ife in 2019.

She was the former President of NATOP, a former Deputy President of FTAN, a Deputy Director of Marketing at Nigerian Airways, and a General Manager at NCAA Consumer Protection Unit. Garbati nurtured NATOP and led the association to the opening of the Calabar Tourism project that birthed the Carnival.

Convener Akwaaba Travel Market, Amb. Ikechi Uko, said: “We have chosen 10 tourism and travel institutes that will benefit from all over the country. The grants will go to the tourism departments and the best graduating students in the department.”

He added that 10 travel clubs that promote tours among the youth will also be given grants and that there will be a raffle at Akwaaba for young tour operators, and the winners will be given cash grants as well.

Uko further said that the President of NATOP will nominate a tour operator to benefit from the grants while five tourism journalists will be given grants too, adding that an annual “Fatima Garbati Award for Tourism Journalism” will be inaugurated in her memory.

Akwaaba African Travel Market is the biggest travel expo in West Africa. As it celebrates its 20th anniversary, it has also announced that Mövenpick Hotel Nairobi Kenya, Memorial Healthcare Turkiye and Costa Cruises from Italy will be exhibiting for the first time at Akwaaba African Travel Market.

The 20th edition of the Akwaaba Travel Market, West Africa’s largest travel and tourism exhibition fair, is set to be a landmark event with several high-profile newcomers making their debut.

Mövenpick Hotel & Residence Nairobi from Kenya, Memorial Healthcare Group from Turkiye, and Costa Cruises from Italy will be participating for the first time, adding a new dimension to this prestigious event scheduled to take place from September 22nd to 24th, 2024, in Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos, Nigeria.

Mövenpick Hotel & Residence Nairobi, renowned for its upscale hospitality and prime location in the heart of Kenya’s capital, will be showcasing its luxurious offerings to a diverse audience at Akwaaba.

The hotel, which embodies African-themed design and world-class service, is eager to connect with key stakeholders in the African travel market. Joining Mövenpick at Akwaaba for the first time is Memorial Healthcare Group, a leading private healthcare organisation based in Turkey.

Memorial Healthcare is known for its cutting-edge medical services and state-of-the-art facilities, and its participation at Akwaaba underscores the growing intersection of healthcare and tourism. The group’s presence at the event highlights the increasing importance of medical tourism within Africa, offering new opportunities for collaboration and growth,” Uko said.

He also announced that Costa Cruises, the only cruise line flying the Italian flag and a member of the Carnival Corporation & Plc Group, will also be making its first appearance at the Akwaaba Travel Market.

With a legacy of 75 years, Costa Cruises is celebrated for its Italian style and hospitality, offering unparalleled cruise experiences across the globe. Their participation marks a significant step in expanding their footprint within the African market, bringing world-class cruising experiences to potential travellers from the region.

The 2024 Akwaaba Travel Market promises to be an exciting and transformative event, celebrating two decades of shaping the travel and tourism landscape in Africa. The inclusion of these esteemed new participants not only broadens the scope of the event but also reflects the growing interest of global brands in the African market.
This year’s event is set to attract top government officials, industry leaders, and professionals from across the travel, tourism, and healthcare sectors, making it a pivotal gathering for fostering new connections and exploring innovative opportunities.