A Port Harcourt-based journalist, Odimegwu Onwumere has won a second place in the inaugural Africa Travel Week Media Awards held in Cape Town, South Africa, by Big Ambitions, a tourism-based firm.In an email sent to Onwumere by Sonnette Fourie, Junior Account Director/Client Services of the organization, he was praised for being a winner in the Tourism News Award category of the African journalism awards held in South Africa on April 10, 2024.

The letter sent to Onwumere by Sonnette Fourie and received by our reporter, reads, “Dear Odimegwu, we are happy to congratulate you on achieving second place in the Tourism News category at the inaugural African Journalism Awards held last week at WTM Africa!

Onwumere’s work reveals the move that Nigeria is making to reclaim her $1.6b expenditure in medical tourism and become the hub for medical tourism.”Your work stood out for its quality and insightful approach. Earning second place is a significant accomplishment, and we want to acknowledge your valuable contribution to African journalism. Congratulations again on your well-deserved second place finish!”

While buttressing the need journalists across Africa should enter the awards at the point of call for entry early in the year, Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director – Travel, Tourism & RX Africa Marketing, said the media plays a vital role in driving growth across Africa’s tourism industry while keeping people informed, updated, and inspired.

“This is our chance to show appreciation to those who strive to share our continent’s travel news, remarkable stories, and experiences through outstanding journalism, captivating narratives, and imagery,” Megan De Jager said. Adding, she said, “As a winner or finalist, participating in the Africa Travel Week Media Awards provides an opportunity to celebrate your hard work, enhance your reputation, and network with industry leaders from around the world.”

The elated Odimegwu Onwumere whose work was published by Modern Ghana, an online news publishing firm thanked the team at Modern Ghana for publishing his work. “I am happy for this award, which has further shown that my writing efforts are recognized,” he said.

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