Lagos, Sept. 24, 2024 (TheGavel) – In a remarkable celebration of excellence, no fewer than 100 tourism practitioners from across Africa were awarded the prestigious Africa Travel 100 Global Leaders Award during the 20th AKWAABA African Travel and Tourism Market held on Monday.
Mr. Ikechi Uko, the organizer of the award, emphasized that this recognition highlights the significant contributions of individuals in the tourism sector who have demonstrated outstanding performance over the years. “The award is meant to recognize individuals in different categories regarding their immense contribution to the development of the tourism sector in their countries,” Uko stated, commending the honorees for their efforts in continually repositioning the industry to compete on a global scale.
Among the notable recipients was Lucy Maruhi, Chief Executive Officer of Shelter Connections and Events in Kenya, who has dedicated over 20 years to the hospitality industry. Expressing her joy, Maruhi said, “I am so excited; I was not expecting this. I didn’t know anyone was watching me doing what I was doing. I was only doing all with passion.” She added, “This gives me the energy to do more. I am so motivated right now to continue generating employment for youths and women in Kenya through skills acquisition in making souvenirs for tourists.”
Another award recipient, Patrick Kamanga, Managing Director of Deans Travel Centre Ltd. in Kenya, noted the significance of the award, especially as he has been promoting intra-African trade and travel since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. “It is such a beautiful development to see my project yielding results. Kenyans have begun to travel within Africa, and getting an award for that is amazing,” Kamanga remarked. He expressed that the recognition would further motivate him to enhance tourism initiatives, having partnered with several African countries to drive this project.
Dr. Raphael James, Curator of the Centre for Research, Information and Media Development (CRIMMD), shared his feelings of excitement and challenge upon receiving the award. “I didn’t see this coming when I got the letter. I want to say thank you to AKWAABA and thank Nigerians for all the support given to me for the little I am doing for my country, Nigeria,” he said.
Dr. Adama Bah, Chairman of the Institute of Travel and Tourism of The Gambia, also expressed his gratitude. “I have received global awards, but this is my first award in Africa through the promotion of responsible tourism. I appreciate it,” he stated.
Other notable awardees included Sheikh Ahmed Nyang, Head of School at the Institute of Travel and Tourism of The Gambia; Alisa Osei-Asamoah, President of the Tour Operators’ Union of Ghana (TOUGHA); Dr. Gabe Onah, Chairman of Carnival Calabar; Fifi Rurangwa, Chief Executive Officer of The Xperts; Fatou Mas Jobe, former Minister for Tourism and Culture in The Gambia; and Abubacarr Camara, Director-General of the Gambia Tourism Board. (NAN)
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