Tourism
and Culture minister Hamat Bah has said his ministry’s plan is to create more
jobs and improve the country’s economic performance.
The
Tourism minister made this statement at a press conference held recently at the
Paradise Suites Hotel.
Mr
Bah said the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, in collaboration with the Gambia
Tourism Board and Gambia Hotel Association, has identified certain areas for
serious support to promote and boost tourism and its yield to the nation.
Hon.
Bah thanked international organisations such as the British Embassy, the
European Union, as well as the Senegalese High Commission for their efforts in
bringing back tourists to the country.
He
said three things that needed to be addressed, in the short term and long term,
include summoning the Gambia Tourism Board and ensuring more commitment from
the hotel association towards addressing the dismissals or staff redundancies.
He
said they want to make sure of the creation of more jobs for Gambians, and to
improve on the economic performance of the country.
Abdoulie
Hydara, director-general of Gambia Tourism Board, said it was history for the
tourism industry to call a press conference to share with them the recent
developments and challenges they underwent as a result of the political
impasse.
Hydara
said tourism moves when there is peace and tranquility and that whenever
elections are called in Africa, people are always afraid of what could happen.
“If
the tourism industry is maintained, The Gambia will be different in terms of
its economic activities,” he said.
Malleh
Sallah, chairperson of the Gambia Hotel Association, in his remarks, said:
“Tourism is a contributor to our GDP. Tourism exposes us to the world, and it
builds a bridge between The Gambia and the world.”
Mr
Sallah said tourism also brings in investments from both local and foreign
sources, as well as hard currency. More
importantly, he noted, it provides jobs and is one of the biggest direct
employers in The Gambia.
