Guinness World Record holder for the longest cooking marathon, Hilda Baci, has won 100 Africa Travel under 40 award.

Baci received the award in Lagos on Monday, alongside a Tanzanian journalist, Gloria Michael and 98 other Africans.

The organiser of AKWAABA Africa Travel and Tourism Market as well as 100 Africa Travel under 40 awards, Mr Ikechi Uko, commended the efforts of Nigerian youths blazing the trail in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Uko noted that the award ceremony recognised 100 youths across Africa who were under 40 and doing excellently well in the industry.

He said the 2023 edition was the most difficult to organise because youths across some African countries were not performing up to expectations in the industry.

Uko, however, encouraged African youths to be committed to making tangible contributions to the growth of the tourism and hospitality industry.

He also urged renowned practitioners to intensify efforts to train youths to achieve their potential and make valuable contributions to the industry.

“Domestic tourism in Nigeria is championed by the young people, this is not the case in some other African countries.

“So, the Africa Travel 100 under 40 awards is unique but most difficult.

“The successful practitioners in the industry should make conscious efforts to mentor the younger ones because we will have to hand over to them someday,” he said.

One of the awardees from Tanzania, Gloria Michael, appreciated the organisers of the award, describing her growth in the tourism and hospitality industry as learning curve.

She said attention was drawn to her due to the publication of her book, entitled, “Kumbukizi Kilimanjaro,” translated as “Memories of Climbing.”

“I am excited right now, this is one of the best lessons of my life. When told about the award, I was excited.

“This is a motivation to be more dedicated to perfect my writing and promote tourism,” she said.

Some other recipients of the award include Phineas Kapinga of Nxunga Beetsha Delta Safaris, and KB Kebalatetse, Travel Manager, Easy Escape Travel & Tours, both in Botswana; Peter Momah Bassie, tour operator from Sierra Leone; Cammue Mulbah, Hanson Blayon, Samson Bryant and Anthonette Quayee from Liberia and Omar khaled of Hammock Tours in Egypt.