By :Yunus .S. Saliu
In recognition of its outstanding efforts in promoting The Gambia as one of the top travel destinations in West Africa, the Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) has been named Tourism Marketing Agency of the Year – West Africa by African Travel Quarterly (ATQ).
The prestigious award will be officially presented at the 8th edition of the Accra Weizo Conference, scheduled to take place on Friday, 27th June 2025, at the Accra City Hotel in Ghana. The event will bring together tourism ministers, director generals of tourism agencies, tour operators, and travel professionals from across the region, including Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Sierra Leone, Ghana, and The Gambia.
According to the ATQ Publisher, the accolade reflects GTBoard’s strategic marketing achievements, effective branding campaigns, and successful partnerships that have significantly raised the profile of The Gambia in the global and regional tourism landscape.
“This prestigious recognition is a testament to your outstanding efforts in promoting The Gambia as a must-visit destination and your continuous innovation in tourism marketing across the sub-region,” ATQ stated. “Your strategic campaigns, destination branding, and partnerships have contributed immensely to positioning The Gambia as the ‘Smiling Coast of Africa’ and a vibrant hub for leisure, culture, and sustainable tourism.”
The Gambia’s tourism marketing initiatives have aligned closely with the goals of Accra Weizo, a platform that promotes seamless travel across West Africa. While the sub-region is home to over 400 million people and rich in cultural heritage, it continues to face challenges attracting inbound tourists. GTBoard’s leadership in driving visibility and engagement for intra-African tourism is seen as pivotal in changing that dynamic.
“The marketing leadership demonstrated by the Gambia Tourism Board directly aligns with the objectives of Accra Weizo. Your efforts in driving visibility, access, and engagement for intra-African tourism are key to transforming this narrative,” ATQ noted.
Accra Weizo, now a flagship travel and tourism event in Ghana, has over the years grown into a key gathering for hospitality and aviation stakeholders. It serves as a forum for building partnerships, exploring collaborative solutions, and promoting travel across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Congratulating the GTBoard, ATQ Publisher Ikechi Uko said, “We would be honoured to welcome the Gambia Tourism Board to this year’s edition, celebrate your achievements, and explore further opportunities for regional collaboration and destination development.”
The recognition comes as The Gambia continues to position itself as a year-round destination, offering unique experiences in ecotourism, heritage, adventure, and coastal relaxation. With awards like this, GTBoard’s commitment to sustainable and impactful tourism marketing is once again brought to the fore.