By Yunus S. Saliu
Senegalese tourism professionals visiting The Gambia on a familiarisation tour have expressed strong interest in the country’s tourism attractions, particularly its potential for eco-tourism and nature-based experiences.
The delegation, led by Youssouph Diallo, President of the Collective des Acteurs du Tourisme au Sénégal (CATS), is in The Gambia for a week-long educational familiarisation tour organised by the Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard).
Speaking during the tour, Diallo said the delegation was invited by the GTBoard to explore tourism attractions and facilities and identify destinations and experiences that could be recommended to their clients.
“Our first impression is very good because we received a very warm welcome on arrival and this continues,” he said.
The delegation visited the Katchikally Crocodile Sacred Pool, Yabouy Home Cooking, Tanji Fishing Village and Monkey Park, where members were introduced to various cultural, culinary and nature-based tourism experiences.
Diallo described the sites as interesting, highlighting bird-watching as one of the most attractive experiences for the delegation.
He said the guide provided detailed information on different bird species, their habitats and bird-watching sites across The Gambia.
According to Diallo, bird-watching offers significant opportunities to attract European tourists, many of whom have a strong interest in nature and wildlife experiences.
“As Senegalese tourism professionals, we are here to learn how to attract tourists who are very interested in bird-watching,” he said.
He also praised Monkey Park for its contribution to wildlife conservation and nature-based tourism, describing it as an important attraction for visitors seeking eco-friendly experiences.
“Monkey Park is very interesting because it helps protect the animals living here. It is also very important for tourism because nature is part of tourism,” Diallo said.
He stressed the need for tourism operators to promote environmentally friendly experiences, noting that The Gambia has considerable potential to develop its eco-tourism sector.
“We have to focus mainly on this to promote eco-tourism and eco-friendly visits, and The Gambia is a country that is ready for this,” he said.
The familiarisation tour forms part of efforts by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the GTBoard to strengthen tourism cooperation between The Gambia and Senegal and promote cross-border tourism.
The programme continued Thursday with a business-to-business (B2B) networking session between the Senegalese delegation and Gambian tourism stakeholders.
The delegation is also scheduled to visit the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre and ABCas Creek Lodge before concluding its visit to The Gambia.