Around the globe, new structures are being put up every day as countries move to market their cultural heritage sites to attract arrival numbers. It is a significant player not only in global growth, but also provides a number of employment benefits.
However, in the past few months, the tourism and travel industry globally is facing uncertainty as coronavirus pandemic continues to cripple global economies.
It is no gain saying that due to global competitions in the sector, countries are making massive investments in their travel and hospitality sectors to not only meet international standards, but also boost year-round tourism.
It is in the news that the minister of Tourism and Culture last Thursday laid the foundation stone for a new four-star hotel in the North Bank Region town of Barra.
The new edifice named- D K Jawara Resort, is borne out of the partnership between the Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) and National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) designed to promote domestic and heritage tourism in the country.
The move is also part of a broader move to promote and encourage domestic tourism by putting in place solid structures.
As stated by Minister Bah, developing this infrastructure would encourage more Gambians to travel within their own country to explore and better know their country.
However, what makes the project alluring is the fact that GTBoard and NCAC have team up well knowing fully that the site is situated near the UNESCO Heritage Sites, which is frequented by thousands annually.
The constriction of this new four-star hotel which sits near the popular Fort Bullen in Barra, is indeed timely.
We are of the view that with its stunning location in Barra would significantly boost visitors, who will be at ease to visit this old century fort and other heritage sites in the North Bank and beyond.
“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”
Gustave Flaubert