In a few days’ time, The Gambia is scheduled to host stakeholders
of the tourism industry across the West Africa sub-region, tagged MBOKA
2008.
According to a press release from the Gambia Tourism Authority issued in Banjul on Thursday, the forum will be held from 18-22 October 2008.
According to the release, the strategic objective of the initiative is “to support West African governments and tourism in a manner that contributes to both local development and to poverty alleviation, community empowerment and the protection of the environment”.
The release adds that the forum will be open to a wide range of participants who include European tour operators searching for new and sustainable tourism products; sustainable products looking for market access; hotels and destinations interested in becoming more sustainable; governments looking for exchange of experiences and success stories.
The form will also include promotion agencies searching for partnerships; development agencies identifying new approaches and promising initiatives; and private investors looking for opportunities and inspiration, the release adds.
According to the organizers, “there is something for anybody and everybody at Mboka 2008. All you need do is participate and contribute to improved living standards in the sub region.”
The organizers say such initiatives are in their quest “to alleviate poverty, to promote peace and stability, and to ensure a better life for everyone in the sub region.”