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Tourism minister, GTBoard start upcountry facilities tour

May 5, 2026, 11:04 AM | Article By: Yunus S. Saliu 

Tourism Minister Abdoulie Jobe and the new Gambia Tourism Board governing body began a four-day upcountry tour Sunday to inspect facilities and fast-track projects.

The familiarisation trip is led by GTBoard Chairman Momodou Bamba Saho. The delegation includes Tourism Permanent Secretary Amie Njie, board members Ida Cham Njie and Carlos Gomez, GTBoard Director General Ida Jeng Njie, and technical staff.

Officials said the tour will help the board “acquaint with key tourism sites and infrastructure nationwide” as part of its oversight role in tourism development, destination management, and project inspections.

Day one covered the North Bank Region. At the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Resort in Barra, the board was briefed on the project’s background, delay challenges, and current status.

In Jufureh, the team inspected facilities and met tour guides, National Centre for Arts and Culture staff, and elders from Albreda and Jufureh. Minister Jobe and Chairman Saho responded to concerns raised.

The delegation held a courtesy meeting in Kerewan with the Regional Tourism Officer and inspected a proposed site for a regional office.

Other stops included Jahaur Mandinka, earmarked for an ecolodge, and Kauren Lodge. The team then proceeded to Nyanga Bantang to inspect another proposed ecolodge site.

The GTBoard said the tour will guide policy and investment decisions to boost upcountry tourism and spread visitor spending beyond the coast.