The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard), under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, has commenced a nationwide Tourism Stakeholders’ Meeting, beginning in Kerewan on Monday. The consultations, which run through September 25, aim to foster dialogue on tourism development and performance ahead of the upcoming season.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Amie Njie, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, underscored the importance of sustainable inland tourism. She urged the creation of viable tourism products that protect natural and cultural resources while delivering economic benefits to local communities.
Mrs. Ida Jeng-Njie, Director General of GTBoard, emphasised that tourism’s impact should not be measured solely by visitor arrivals. “Tourism benefits should not be measured solely by the number of visitors arriving in the country,” she noted, stressing the importance of visitor spending and the contributions of domestic and regional tourists in driving local economic growth.
Chairperson of the GTBoard governing body, Momodou Bamba Saho, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the North Bank’s rich cultural and historical heritage, including Kunta Kinteh Island. He called for sustainable practices that preserve these assets while ensuring community participation in tourism planning and ownership.
Yusupha Keita of International Trade Centre (ITC) -Gambia outlined an EU-supported program designed to boost tourism and the creative industry through product development, skills training, and destination promotion. He encouraged stakeholders to articulate their priorities, stressing that collaboration is key to effective growth.
The consultations will continue across the country, with stakeholders expected to provide input that shapes the future of The Gambia’s tourism sector.
