The Gambian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Honourable Abdoulie Jobe, has called for
the continueous strengthening of the friendship, culture, tourism bridge between the Gambia and Nigeria.
Honourable Jobe stated that this bridge is also built on shared opportunity.
Speaking at The Gambia Tourism Board Meet and Greet Cokctail on Saturday at La Maison Fahrenheit
Hotel in Lagos, the Minister noted that The Gambia not only showcased the smiling coast of Africa, but its culture, heritage, beaches, cuisine, music, wildlife, and above all, the warmth of its people.
Including movement of people, stronger businesses, business partnership, and shared economic opportunities.
Honourable Jobe said: ” To our Nigerian travel trade partners and associations, I wish to make one message very clear. The Gambia is ready for you, the Gambia welcomes you, and we are ready to work with you.
We ask you to look at the Gambia not simply as a destination to sell, but a strategic tourism partner. We want more Nigerians to discover the Gambia, and we want you to be the bridge that makes that possible”.
He continued that “Africa has remarkable stories to tell, and the Gambia has a story of hospitality, cultural heritage, and authentic experience that deserves to be told widely and positively”.
The Miniater said their ambition is to have more Nigerians visiting the Gambia, more businesses working together, and more opportunities created for their people.
This will not happen by chance, It will happen through partnership, commitment, and action, he said.
In her welcome address, the Director General, Gambia Tourism Board, Mrs. Ida Jeng Njie noted that The Gambia shares not only strong historic and cultural ties, but a deep connection through tourism, business, friendship, and people-to-people relationship.
Mrs. Njie called on Nigerians to come and discover destination Gambia
that is big in experience, warmth, and lots of possibilities for the people that introduce themselves as businessmen.
She described The Gambia as a place where famous hospitality meets beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, rich heritage, delicious cuisine, land of jollof rice.
She said: “For the Nigerian travelers, the Gambia offers something special. You will feel at home, yet you will discover something new. From our stunning Atlantic coastline, vibrant resorts to rich historic sites and nature reserves”.
The DG enjoined the tour operators and the travel agents to work with them, stressing that the Gambia is open for their clients, group booking, package, and business holiday.
Mrs. Njie restated the call for the strengthening of the bridge between Nigeria and Gambia, increase travel between the two countries, create business opportunities, and together make Africa one of the world’s most exciting tourist regions.
In his remarks,
ValueJet Chief Commercial Officer, Trevor Henry
disclosed that ValueJet has been associated with the Gambia since May of last year, operating flights for 16 months with three times weekly flight for Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
Trevor Henry said the route is still growing, as in May of this year, it included Ghana, Accra on the route to Banjul.
“We are not only serving Nigeria to the Gambia, we also serve Ghana to the Gambia, we bring to Africa people holidays in the Gambia. I’ve always enjoyed my travels to the Gambia, it’s a lovely country, I feel a lot at home there”, he said.
