By: Yunus .S. Saliu
In a major stride towards enhancing its hospitality offerings, the management of African Princess Beach Hotel on Wednesday, 25th June 2025, officially inaugurated its State-of-the-Art Conference and Banqueting Facility.
The new African Princess Conference Hall is designed to meet the highest international standards for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), offering versatile meeting spaces of various capacities. The grand occasion was graced by several dignitaries, including The Gambia’s First Lady, officials from the banking sector, embassies, airlines, tourism stakeholders, the UN system, and tour operators.
Speaking at the event with evident pride and excitement, Charbel Hobeika, CEO of African Princess Beach Hotel, described the launch as a significant milestone in the hotel’s ongoing journey of excellence.
“Six years ago, we opened our doors with a bold vision to redefine hospitality in The Gambia and serve as a symbol of quality, comfort, and unforgettable guest experiences,” Hobeika stated.
“Today, I am proud to say we have met and exceeded it. With glowing reviews, loyal guests, and a strong position among the top hospitality providers in the region, African Princess has truly earned its reputation.”
The new facility, he noted, was conceptualized with a global outlook and designed in partnership with a renowned architectural firm based in Malaysia. “Their international expertise, combined with our deep understanding of the local environment and guest expectations, has resulted in an elegant and highly functional venue,” he said.
The conference hall offers a flexible and integrated space for banqueting and conferencing, with three adaptable seating arrangements: Cinema Style, Classroom Style, and U-Table Style accommodating up to 300 guests. The venue is equipped with modern amenities, making it ideal for a wide range of events including corporate summits, weddings, product launches, and training seminars.
The CEO extended his heartfelt gratitude to the architects, designers, project teams, hotel staff, and all partners involved in realizing the project. “And of course, thank you to all of you here today. Your support and presence remind us why we strive to reach higher every day,” he added.
During the unveiling, Charbel Hobeika paid a heartfelt tribute to his late business partner and friend, Alfred Blell, acknowledging his instrumental role in the project. “His absence is deeply felt. He was more than a partner he was a builder and a believer. Much of what we see here today bears his fingerprint, ideas, and passion,” Hobeika concluded.
About the Author
