To honor the memory of the late Fatima Garbati, a prominent figure in Nigerian tourism, the Fatima Garbati Tourism Outreach will distribute N5 million in grants to various tourism-related entities at the 20th Akwaaba African Travel Market.
The grants will be awarded to the tourism media, schools, and travel clubs, reflecting Garbati’s passion for promoting tourism in Nigeria. Recipients will be selected by the organizers of Akwaaba.
Garbati, a recipient of the Africa Travel 100 award, served as the President of the National Association of Tour Operators of Nigeria (NATOP), Deputy President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), and Deputy Director of Marketing at Nigerian Airways.
She played a crucial role in the development of Nigerian tourism, including the successful launch of the Calabar Carnival.
A total of 10 tourism and travel institutes nationwide will receive grants, which will be allocated to their tourism departments and the best graduating students. Additionally, 10 travel clubs promoting youth tourism will be awarded grants.
A raffle will also be held at Akwaaba, with cash prizes for young tour operators.
To further commemorate Garbati’s contributions, the “Fatima Garbati Award for Tourism Journalism” will be established. Five tourism journalists will receive grants as part of this inaugural award.
The 20th Akwaaba African Travel Market, West Africa’s largest travel and tourism exhibition, will feature several high-profile newcomers, including Mövenpick Hotel & Residence Nairobi, Memorial Healthcare Turkiye, and Costa Cruises.
These additions highlight the growing interest in the African market from global brands.
Akwaaba, which has a history of attracting prominent government officials and industry leaders, has successfully organized initiatives such as the Africa Travel 100 Awards, Medical Tourism editions, Africa Youth in Tourism Conference, and Destination Wedding. Its commitment to promoting African tourism has earned it recognition from the Nigerian Government and UNWTO.
The 20th Akwaaba African Travel Market is scheduled to take place from September 22nd to 24th, 2024, at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos.
