By Yunus S Saliu
In a significant boost to regional tourism collaboration, officials of the Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) on Tuesday, 27 May, welcomed a high-level delegation from the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) for a two-day tourism development conference scheduled for 28–29 May at the Tamala Resort.
Led by Yinka Folami, President of NANTA, the delegation includes over 80 senior travel trade executives from Nigeria’s travel and tourism sector, all CEOs of various travel trade companies to explore new partnerships, skills development, and investment opportunities in The Gambia.
Folami, speaking during a palatable welcome fanfare accorded to his team at the Banjul International Airport, praised The Gambia as the “Smiling Coast of Africa” and commended the country’s commitment to tourism growth. “This is not my first time here. I’ve seen firsthand that The Gambia is intentional about tourism. You are serious, united, and open to partnerships,” he said.
The purpose of the conference, he explained, is twofold: to upskill NANTA members through sessions led by top Gambian travel and tourism experts and to explore The Gambia as a viable destination for Nigerian tourists and investors.
“Anything NANTA touches becomes successful. And this destination will be successful too. We’re not just tourists, we’re potential partners and investors,” Folami noted.
The visit follows a tourism mission to Nigeria earlier this year, which was led by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC), the GTBoard, and Gambian tourism stakeholders with the support of the World Bank’s Tourism Diversification and Resilience Project (TDRP), during which Gambian tourism officials met with NANTA and extended the invitation.
Speaking on behalf of the Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard), Haddy Darboe, Senior Officer of Activities and Promotions, emphasized the importance of the Nigerian market for The Gambia.
“Every year, NANTA selects an African country for its conference, and we are honored that they chose The Gambia this year,” she said. “This two-day conference will offer them a comprehensive view of our tourism landscape, including sustainable practices.”
The training sessions will be led by some of the country’s most respected travel and tourism experts, including former Minister of Tourism and Culture Honourable Fatou Mass Jobe Njie, Dr. Adama Bah, Lamin Bojang, Musa Dem, and Dr. Ambali from the University of The Gambia.
The initiative is being supported by a broad coalition of tourism stakeholders, including the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), the Gambia Hotel Association (GHA), and the Tourism and Travel Association of The Gambia (TTAG).
Improved air connectivity was also highlighted, with Folami commending the recent launch of ValueJet’s flights to Banjul, which he said facilitated the group’s travel. He hinted that better connectivity could double future attendance. “We’re 80 today, but with smoother flights, we could be 150 or more,” he said, adding that another Nigerian northern airline may soon begin operations on the route.
As NANTA members begin their program, excitement is high for what this partnership could bring. “We’re here for your smiles, your coastline, and your intentionality,” Folami concluded. “We’re open to the world and open to Gambia.”
