The Gambia Flags Off Tourism Market Exposure, As NANTA Embarks On Training Tour

The Gambia’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Honourable Abdoulie Jobe has emphasized the importance of responsive destination management ecosystem, while highlighting the critical role travel agents must play in adapting to the fast-changing tourism landscape to meet the needs of stakeholders, the industry, and host communities

According to a statement on Wednesday, the Minister said this while welcoming members of National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) during their official training and tourism market exposure visit to the West African nation.

Describing the gathering as a “deserving homecoming,” Jobe expressed his delight in hosting such an eminent group of travel professionals on the “Smiling Coast of Africa.”

Speaking at the event’s flag-off ceremony, Jobe stated . “It’s imperative for tourism stakeholders at various levels to take stock and strategize on the next steps to make tourism responsive to these trends and challenges, repositioning our coveted industry on a competitive trajectory,” he stated.

Represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Amie Njie, the Minister revealed that the presence of Nigerian travel professionals in The Gambia was a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening bilateral tourism ties and marketing The Gambia as a premier destination to Nigeria. He also invited the Nigerian delegation to experience the local delicacy, Benechin (The Gambia’s renowned jollof rice).

In his welcome remarks, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to The Gambia, Mallam Mohammad Mainasara, praised NANTA for choosing a sister African country for their training program. He encouraged the delegation to leverage this opportunity to foster mutually beneficial trade and tourism relations between Nigeria and The Gambia.

The event also featured remarks from Abubakar Camara and Sheriff Conteh, Director General and Deputy Director General of The Gambia Tourism Board, who underscored the strong cultural and tourism ties between the two nations. The Managing Director of Djeliba Leisure Group, a key partner in the training expedition, highlighted the close kinship between Nigerians and Gambians, evoking a sense of shared heritage among the attendees.

NANTA President Yinka Folami expressed gratitude for the warm reception and pledged to enhance tourism trade between Nigeria and The Gambia. “We believe in inter-African trade and tourism exchange. That’s why we chose The Gambia for our training instead of other destinations. We brought our best here, and soon, the tourism trade narratives will change. We have the capacity to do so,” Folami affirmed.

During the ceremony, NANTA presented commemorative plaques to The Gambia’s First Lady and Minister of Tourism as symbols of goodwill and partnership. President Folami also encouraged Gambian trade communities to reciprocate by increasing visits and trade with Nigeria, especially with the recent establishment of direct flights by Nigeria’s leading carrier, Air Peace, between the two countries.

Folami further acknowledged the dedication of NANTA’s training faculty, led by First Deputy President Mrs. Chinyere Umeasiegbu, Immediate Past President Mrs. Susan Akporiaye, and Mrs. Ibiwari Uloma Kemabonta, for their relentless efforts in elevating the association to global prominence. “It is a blessing to be supported by such selfless women,” he added.

This high-profile engagement marks a significant step in strengthening tourism collaboration and trade relations between Nigeria and The Gambia, promising a bright future for both nations’ travel industries