Gambian delegation champions regional cooperation at African tourism fair in Dakar

The event is hosted by the Senegalese Tourism Promotional Agency (ASPT) under the leadership of its Director General, Dr. Adama Njie, a respected tourism professional known for his strong academic background and hands-on approach to sector development.

Since assuming office, Dr. Njie has established himself as an action-oriented leader. In November 2024, he hosted the first West African Cruise Ships Conference, a landmark gathering that highlighted the subregion’s potential in cruise tourism. This year’s Tourism Fair, held under the theme “Travel, Investment and Partnership,” continues to reinforce his commitment to promoting regional dialogue and cooperation.

The Gambian delegation is led by the Minister for Tourism and Culture, Hon. Abdou Jobe, who delivered one of the most striking addresses at the opening ceremony. His speech, widely applauded by participants, underscored The Gambia’s priorities in creating a conducive environment for investment and strengthening the competitiveness of its tourism sector. He highlighted ongoing efforts to improve institutional frameworks, promote cultural tourism, advance environmentally sustainable and climate-friendly and resilient practices, enhance capacity-building for tourism professionals, and expand air, land and maritime connectivity. He also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to responsible private-sector investment aligned with national and regional development goals.

Minister Jobe emphasised that The Gambia and Senegal, as neighboring countries with deep cultural, historical and social ties, are natural partners in advancing a harmonised and competitive regional tourism space. He stressed that the two countries place great importance on cooperation in heritage preservation, cultural festivals, cross-border tourism and regional mobility, describing the Tourism Fair as a clear reflection of their shared vision for a vibrant West African tourism landscape.

He further noted that The Gambia remains committed to strengthening collaboration in cross-border travel and mobility, the development of joint tourism circuits, the promotion of shared cultural and heritage assets, improved safety and standards, and joint marketing efforts aimed at both regional and international markets. The Minister expressed confidence that if these policy directions are followed, the tourism sector will soon return to its glory days.

Stakeholders at the fair echoed similar sentiments, stressing that meaningful progress in tourism cannot be achieved without strong collaboration among all actors in the sector. They noted that unity, shared priorities and strategic partnerships are essential to moving the tourism agenda forward. Participants invoked the local expression “Nyokor Bokka,” meaning shared responsibility, reflecting their belief that the region’s tourism future depends on collective commitment.

They expressed hope that, with continued partnership and vision, the region will be guided toward a stronger, more inclusive and more sustainable tourism sector. “We are all in it together to see the tourism agenda reach where it needs to be,” one Gambian official remarked, offering prayers for the success of the sector in the years ahead.