By Yunus S. Saliu
United Nigeria Airlines is set to commence flights to The Gambia, a development expected to strengthen air connectivity between the two countries and support efforts to attract more Nigerian tourists and investors.
The announcement was made during a Destination Gambia Meet-and-Greet and Stakeholder Reception held in Lagos as Gambian tourism authorities intensified efforts to expand the country’s presence in Nigeria, one of West Africa’s major outbound travel markets.
The engagement was organised by the Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and tourism industry stakeholders.
The Gambian delegation was led by Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Abdoulie Jobe and included Permanent Secretary Amie Njie-Joof, GTBoard Director General Ida Jeng-Njie, Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute (GTHI) Director General Momodou Lamin Singhateh and other senior officials and tourism stakeholders.
The reception brought together Nigerian travel and tourism industry players, including tour operators, travel companies, aviation representatives, media organisations and potential investors.
The confirmation of United Nigeria Airlines’ planned flights to The Gambia emerged as a major highlight of the engagement.
The new service is expected to provide an additional air connectivity option for Nigerian travellers and could contribute to the diversification of The Gambia’s tourism source markets.
The Gambian delegation also highlighted the importance of increasing direct flight options between Nigeria and The Gambia as both countries seek to deepen bilateral relations and expand tourism, trade and business exchanges.
The meeting provided an opportunity for Gambian tourism authorities and private-sector operators to showcase Destination Gambia and explore opportunities for stronger cooperation with Nigerian travel and tourism stakeholders.
Participants also held discussions on opportunities in The Gambia’s tourism and hospitality sector, with particular emphasis on partnerships between tour operators, travel agents, aviation companies and private investors.
The event concluded with a raffle draw as participants continued networking and exchanging views on potential areas of cooperation.
The Lagos engagement forms part of The Gambia’s broader tourism marketing strategy aimed at increasing the country’s visibility in regional and international markets, attracting more visitors and encouraging investment in the tourism and hospitality sectors.