Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Abdoulie Jobe made this call during an evening engagement with Nigerian tourism stakeholders held in Lagos on the sidelines of the ongoing 22nd Akwaaba Travel Market, an expo held in Eko Suite Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.
Minister Jobe said The Gambia and Nigeria share deep historical, cultural and people-to-people ties that extend beyond tourism, adding that tourism provides an opportunity to transform those longstanding relations into increased movement of people, business partnerships and shared economic opportunities.
“Gambia is ready for you. Gambia welcomes you, and we are ready to work with you,” the minister told the gathering.
He urged Nigerian tourism stakeholders to view The Gambia not merely as another holiday destination, but as a strategic tourism partner capable of creating opportunities for businesses and communities in both countries.
“We want more Nigerians to discover The Gambia, and we want you to be the bridge that makes that possible,” Honourable Jobe said.
He also called on the Nigerian media and travel journalists to help tell Africa’s tourism stories, particularly The Gambia’s story of hospitality, cultural heritage and authentic experiences.
According to the tourism minister, increasing Nigerian arrivals to The Gambia, expanding business cooperation and creating more opportunities for people in both countries would require partnership, commitment and concrete action.
Ida Jeng Njie, Director General of the Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard), also extended an invitation to Nigerians to visit and experience Destination Gambia.
DG Jeng-Njie said The Gambia, although small in geographical size, offers a wide range of tourism experiences, including beaches, cultural attractions, historical sites, nature reserves, entertainment and river-based experiences.
“The Gambia is the Smiling Coast of Africa, a place where famous hospitality meets beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, rich heritage, delicious cuisine, music and unforgettable experiences,” she said.
She said Nigerian visitors could enjoy the familiarity of being in a culturally connected African country while discovering new experiences.
For the Nigerian travel trade, the GTBoard Director General urged tour operators and travel agents to include The Gambia in their programmes and packages.
“The Gambia is open for your clients, your bookings, your packages and your business,” she told the stakeholders.
The Lagos engagement brought together tourism industry stakeholders and senior officials from The Gambia as part of efforts to strengthen Destination Gambia's presence in the Nigerian market.
The Akwaaba Travel Market was attended by top Gambian government officials and tourism stakeholders.
