Sade Williams/Business a.m.

The organisers of Akwaaba African Travel Market are to unveil Fatima Garbati Tourism Outreach at the 20th edition that will be held between 22-24 September at Eko Hotel and Suits, Lagos.

Ikechi Uko, the organiser of the event, said Tourism Media, Schools, Travel Clubs are to benefit from the  N5 million grant of the outreach.

“The whole idea is to support those who have a passion for tourism just like she did. Fatima Garbati has 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.”

The recipients of the grant will be chosen by the organisers of Akwaaba. Fatima Garbati, an African Travel 100 award winner, last served at the NATOP AGM in Ile Ife in 2019.

She was the former president of Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), a former deputy president of Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN), a deputy director, marketing, at defunct Nigerian Airways, and a general manager, at Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), consumer protection unit.

Garbati nurtured NATOP and led the association to the opening of the Calabar Tourism project that birthed the Carnival.

“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,” said Uko on behalf of Akwaaba.

He added that 10 travel clubs that promote tourism among the youth will also be given grants.

There will be a raffle at Akwaaba for young tour operators, and the winners will be given cash grants as well.

He said the president of NATOP will nominate a tour operator to benefit from the grants.

Five tourism journalists will be given grants too while an annual award, “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.

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.

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.