#National News

GTBoard tour crew members welcome domestic tourism initiative

Aug 28, 2023, 11:13 AM | Article By: Adam Jallow

More than 10 crew members from the recently concluded Gambia Tourism Board domestic tourism promotion initiative have boldly welcomed the GTBoard initiative.

The GTBoard for the first time in the history of the sector initiated a two-day domestic tourism promotion tour.

The crew members included journalists, artistes such as the famous singer, “Badibunka”, Tik-Tokers  and Ms Glorious Haddijatou Njie, Miss-Heritage Global competition, among others who are believed to possess abilities through their various perspectives to play pivotal roles in promoting domestic tourism in The Gambia.

The tour was part of GTBoard’s policy and strategy for 2021 to 2031, to significantly engage influencers and journalists to have a direct experience to be able to help in the pursue of promoting domestic tourism to reach Destination Gambia.

The crew had the opportunity to visit various areas which kick-started with a bike tour from Badala Park to African Princess Hotel. The tour later drove from Badala Park to the National Museum in Banjul where they were briefed on the historical background of the museum, which is over 200 years old.

At the museum, the team found awesome and fascinating old artefacts and history of colonialism and independence photos of brave men who stood for the nation.

At the Museum’s premises was the old well in Banjul with 4 meter deep which was dug since 1824 by one engineer called Konko Barreh known as Pompeh Gaye from Gorreh in Senegal.

Since 1824 to date, neighbors still access potable water from the well anytime taps get closed within the neighborhood. The team also visited the Arch 22 in Banjul.

Speaking on behalf the crew, Ms Glorious Haddijatou Njie, Miss-Heritage Global competition, said promoting domestic tourism initiative is vital for the country that tourism should be moving even during off season. She said that The Gambia has a lot of places to offer that people are not aware off.

She urged parents to encourage their children to go into domestic tourism to explore what Gambia is endowed with. She revealed that it is significant to know the significance of domestic tourism to be able to value it.

Famous singer Badibunka said: “For us as Gambians and Africans, it is our heritage that international tourists are coming to know about.”

He urged the GTBoard to expand their domestic tourism strategies by reaching out to villages in the provinces. “There is rich history and culture in the provinces,” he urged, “let the GTBoard include them in their tour.”

However, the team proceeded to Brikama Craft Market and Kartong Reptiles Farm among other areas and sites.