By: Yunus S Saliu
The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard), in partnership with West African Tours Limited, on Monday welcomed the cruise vessel Regatta Majuro at the Port of Banjul, marking another milestone in the country’s cruise tourism development.
The Oceania Cruises ship arrived at the Gambia Seaport at 7:00 a.m. from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, carrying about 570 passengers.
The visitors were welcomed with cultural performances and exhibitions of local crafts and souvenirs as part of efforts to showcase The Gambia’s cultural heritage.
Tourism stakeholders described the arrival as another positive step in strengthening cruise tourism, which is increasingly seen as a contributor to the national economy.
An exchange of plaques was held between the Director General of the Gambia Tourism Board, Ida Jeng Njie, and the captain of the vessel.
Speaking to journalists, Njie praised collaboration among tourism stakeholders, including West African Tours Limited, in attracting cruise ships to The Gambia.
She said all 570 passengers disembarked to visit different parts of the country, including Jufureh, while others explored Banjul and surrounding areas.
“This shows that the benefits of tourism are spread across different sectors and communities,” she said.
Njie added that cruise tourism supports a wide range of economic activities, including transport, hospitality, tour operations, markets, and local craft sales.
She said the country continues to record increased cruise ship arrivals and expects more vessels in the coming weeks.
Officials from West African Tours Limited and Cruise Ship Crew Gambia (CSCG) also attended the reception ceremony.
Tourism officials say cruise tourism is playing an increasing role in boosting local income, creating employment opportunities, and promoting The Gambia as a travel destination.