The event, which attracted tourism officials, private sector stakeholders, immigration experts, and development partners, seeks to enhance intra-regional tourism and economic integration within ECOWAS Member States.
At the event, Dr. Tony Luka Elumelu, Director of Private Sector, presiding over the opening acknowledged that tourism is a very critical component of our integration agenda.
“The Gambia plays a critical role, when it comes to tourism, you cannot talk about tourism in Africa without mentioning the Gambia,” he said.
He revealed that ECOWAS has also adopted legal instruments to enhance activities, adding that tourism goes beyond the state and regional level.
“Tourism is a global market, and to ensure that you play your role very well, we've also adopted programs to make sure that you harmonise processes. One of those is the ECOTOUR, the regional policy, which is a document that you work with.”
Sheikh Tijan Nyang, ECOWAS Tourism Consultant, recalled that over the years, they’ve been working with the ECOWAS team to build capacity in hotel classification.
“To build capacity in hotel classification, which is key in any country wishing to develop tourism, we have formulated a policy which most of the member countries have not been familiar with. And over the years, we have been cruising the length and breadth of the region to ensure that we focus understanding among member states,” he explained.
He added that “I am fortunate to be a Gambian and also the head of the classification system. And, as a result of which, I am the chair of the THC, which is a project meant to build standards in this area. On the other hand, this program is also meant to ensure that member countries are familiar with the ECOWAS tourism policy.”
He urged participants to approach the workshop with openness.
“Without openness, you may not be able to get anything. You need to talk so that I can benefit from the wealth of knowledge.”
Ellen T. Johnson, Country Director Commonwealth Business Women, expressed optimism that the training would encourage inter-continental trading.
