The delegation was received on arrival at the Banjul International Airport by officials of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard), and the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC).
Speaking to journalists at the airport, Abdoulie Hydara, GTBoard director general, said the arrival of such number of delegates was “another unprecedented history” in Gambian tourism. Baba Ceesay, director general of NCAC, said the delegates “will enjoy the exciting cultural display” of different traditions as well as other activities as part of the festival. Clarrie Mendy, head of the arriving delegation, said this is not her first time to attend the roots festival; she had attended all the previous ones.
She said she has been promoting the festival in America since November through advertisements on the social media, newspapers and video.
Mrs Mendy said the advertisements have caught the attention of many people in America as more delegates are expected to arrive in Banjul for the festival.On Friday, another two promoters are expected to arrive.
