The 20th Akwaaba Travel Market will award N5m in grants under the Fatima Garbati Tourism Outreach, supporting tourism media, schools, and travel clubs.

The 20th edition of the Akwaaba Travel Market, West Africa’s largest travel and tourism fair, promises to be a landmark event in 2024.

Organisers have announced the introduction of a N5 million grant under the *Fatima Garbati Tourism Outreach* to support tourism media, schools, and travel clubs.

Also read: 20th Akwaaba African travel market set to shine in Lagos with youth tourism focus

This initiative honours the late Mrs Fatima Garbati, an advocate for tourism in Africa. The outreach will also launch the annual *Fatima Garbati Award for Tourism Journalism*, celebrating excellence in tourism reporting.

The organisers aim to promote tourism in Nigeria by providing grants to 10 travel and tourism institutes across the country, with an emphasis on supporting top students, travel clubs, and young tour operators.

The President of NATOP will also nominate a tour operator for the grant, while five tourism journalists will receive support for their contributions to the industry.

Akwaaba 2024 will showcase several high-profile exhibitors making their debut at the event, including Mövenpick Hotel & Residence Nairobi, Memorial Healthcare Group from Turkey, and Costa Cruises from Italy.

These new participants bring diverse offerings, from luxury hospitality to medical tourism and cruise experiences, signalling the growing global interest in Africa’s tourism market.

Scheduled from 22nd to 24th September 2024 at Eko Hotels & Suites in Lagos, Akwaaba will feature key stakeholders, government officials, and industry professionals, making it a pivotal platform for fostering connections and exploring opportunities in the African travel and tourism industry.