Gambia News : Gambia markets tourism potential to Nigerian investors

A six-member delegation, comprising of officials of the Gambian Tourism Authority (GTA), gambia hotelss Association (GHA) and other stakeholders, arrived in Nigeria yesterday with a mission to sell The Gambia as the prefered leisure destination of choice to the Nigerian travelling public.

The one week familiarisation trip is a joint marketing and promotion initiative of The gambia hotels Association, a body uniting Gambian hotel operators, resort owners, bed and breakfast business owners, and tour operators, together with other stakeholders, including Gambia Tourism Authority and Nigeria's Ministry of Tourism.

Explaining the rationale for the trip, the President of Tourism Stakeholders of The Gambia, Alieu Secka, said that Nigeria is one of the key markets being targeted for tourism as well as trade investment in The Gambia.

"A key component of this strategy therefore is a familiarization trip to market the country and raise public awareness in Nigeria about Gambia tourism and hospitality," he said.

During the visit, the Gambian tourism stake holders would hold meetings with their Nigerian counterparts, tour operators, airlines, hotels owners, government agencies, other relevant stakeholders and the media with a view to secure their partnership in the destination marketing drive.

The delegation is expected to utilise the opportunity provided by the visit to hold useful discussions with airline operators on the need for direct air link between Nigeria and The Gambia to facilitate the expansion of bilateral trade between the two countries.

Tour operators and the media would also be engaged at an interactive session where they would be educated on the abundant tourists' offerings and attractions in the country, known as "the smiling coast of West Africa".

Also in the course of the visit, meaningful discussion would also take place between the delegation and representatives of the Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Tourism on how to forge a workable partnership between the state and The Gambia.

Secka described a visit to The Gambia "as a worthwhile experience both for leisure and business travellers. The peace and tranquility that we have in The Gambia is truly second to none. There is so much we have to offer. The least of course is your personal security".

While acknowledging that The Gambia is renowned as the tourists' heaven for Europeans, he disclosed that the country is opening its doors to Nigerians because 'we need to know more about each other in West Africa".

The Gambian delegation visit is a follow-up to last year's educational tour (Eductour) to The Gambia, which was organised by The gambia hotelss Association for Nigerian airline executives, tour operators, travel writers and banking professionals to expose them to the touristic splendor of the country and enjoy the warm hospitality of its people.