BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
In a move designed to preserve the legacies of a legend in the African tourism space while empowering the younger generation, the 20th edition of the Akwaaba African Travel Market will pay tribute to the late Mrs. Fatima Garbati, an iconic figure whose contributions to the industry have left an indelible mark.
The event will feature the Fatima Garbati Tourism Outreach, an initiative that will award N5 million in grants to schools, travel clubs and tourism media; all in remembrance of her evergreen legacy of nurturing and promoting tourism across the continent.
The organisers, in a statement, said: “The aim of this outreach is to foster the same passion for tourism that Fatima Garbati championed throughout her life,” the Outreach Team expressed in their message to the Akwaaba organizers.
“Fatima’s unwavering commitment to tourism was evident in her constant presence at events like Akwaaba, which she never missed. It is only fitting that we honour her memory through this initiative at the very event she cherished.”
Mrs. Garbati, the organisers noted, was a powerhouse in the tourism sector, renowned for her leadership and dedication.
Her accolades include the prestigious African Travel 100 Award, and her influence extended across multiple roles, including her last service at the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) Annual General Meeting in Ile Ife in 2019.
Her career was distinguished by her tenure as President of NATOP, Deputy President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Deputy Director of Marketing at Nigerian Airways, and General Manager at the Consumer Protection Unit of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Garbati was instrumental in the development of NATOP and played a pivotal role in launching the Calabar Tourism project, which later evolved into the renowned Calabar Carnival.
The selection of grant recipients will be handled by the Akwaaba organisers, who are committed to ensuring that the funds are awarded to those poised to advance the tourism industry.
“We have selected 10 tourism and travel institutions from across Nigeria that will benefit from these grants,” said Ikechi Uko, speaking on behalf of Akwaaba.
“The grants will be awarded to the tourism departments of these institutions and to the top graduating students. Additionally, 10 youth travel clubs that actively engage in promoting tourism will receive grants.”
The initiative also extends its support to emerging tour operators, with a raffle scheduled during Akwaaba where winners will be awarded cash grants.
Moreover, the President of NATOP will have the privilege of nominating a tour operator to benefit from the grant.
Acknowledging the crucial role of the media in tourism, five tourism journalists will also receive grants. To further honor Garbati’s contributions, the annual “Fatima Garbati Award for Tourism Journalism” will be inaugurated, recognizing excellence in the field.
The 20th Akwaaba African Travel Market is set to be a landmark event, not only marking its two-decade anniversary but also welcoming a host of prestigious newcomers to the exhibition.
For the first time, Mövenpick Hotel & Residence Nairobi from Kenya, Memorial Healthcare Group from Turkey, and Costa Cruises from Italy will be participating, adding a fresh dynamic to this illustrious gathering, scheduled for September 22nd to 24th, 2024, in Lagos, Nigeria.
Mövenpick Hotel & Residence Nairobi, celebrated for its luxury and prime location in Kenya’s capital, will showcase its offerings to a diverse audience at Akwaaba, highlighting the growing global interest in African hospitality.
Memorial Healthcare Group, a leader in Turkey’s private healthcare sector, will also debut at Akwaaba, reflecting the increasing convergence of healthcare and tourism.
Known for its state-of-the-art medical services, Memorial Healthcare is set to play a significant role in the expanding field of medical tourism in Africa.
Costa Cruises, with a legacy spanning 75 years, will also make its first appearance at Akwaaba.
As the only cruise line flying the Italian flag, Costa Cruises is renowned for its Italian style and hospitality, offering travelers world-class cruising experiences.
Their participation underscores a significant expansion into the African market, bringing the allure of luxury cruising to a new audience.
The 2024 Akwaaba Travel Market promises to be transformative, with over 50 countries participating, adding a global dimension to the celebration.
The event is poised to attract top government officials, industry leaders, and professionals from the travel, tourism, and healthcare sectors, making it a key platform for fostering new connections and exploring innovative opportunities.
Over the years, Akwaaba has grown into an essential platform for facilitating connections, promoting collaboration, and showcasing the rich diversity of the African travel industry.
It has hosted prominent African leaders such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Alex Ekwueme, former President of The Gambia Dauda Jawara, and former Commonwealth Secretary Sir Emeka Anyaoku.
Other notable figures include Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Nigerian Minister of Tourism Ambassador Frank Nchita Ogbuewu, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, former Deputy Tourism Minister of Zimbabwe Anastasia Ndhlovu, and Tourism Minister of Sierra Leone Dr. Mrs. Memunatu Pratt.
The event has also drawn the former and current Governors of Cross River State, Senator Ben Ayade and Senator Prince Bassey Otu, as well as the Olota of Ota, HRH Oba Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege.
Akwaaba’s successful initiatives, including the Africa Travel 100 Awards, Medical Tourism editions, the Africa Youth in Tourism Conference, and Destination Wedding, have earned it accolades such as the Award of Excellence in Tourism from the Nigerian Government and the UNWTO at the Global Tourism Summit in 2022.
As Akwaaba African Travel Market looks forward to its 20th-anniversary celebration, the event’s enduring legacy as a catalyst for positive change in the travel and tourism sector is set to continue, with new global participants reflecting the growing interest and investment in the African market.
