The training which took place at the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) Conference Hall seeks to equip the participants in mastering the basics of event management, fund-raising, branding and programming of festivals.
Cordu L. Jabang Senghore, permanent secretary at the Minister of Tourism and Culture in deputising for her minister underscored the significant role of arts and culture in the revitalisation of the tourism sector, adding that it will make the country’s cultural heritage rich and offer value for money for visitors to The Gambia.
She further said that the training will enhance the cultural identity, conserve culture and also make The Gambia a tourism attraction destination.
PS Jabang Senghore observed that for the past seven years, there has been a rapid increase in community, thematic and urban festivals across the country, noting that, Gambians are eager to assert their cultural rights through expressing culture in festivals and events.
Hassoum Ceesay, director general of the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) described the training as a start of what should really become constant in building the capacities of event organisers to become the best.
He added that they will organiser a similar training for event organisers in rural Gambia. Mr Ceesay applauded the Ministry of Tourism and Culture for its continuous support.
Musa Dem, packaging manager and Public Relations Officer for the Gambia Tourism Board said the Gambia Tourism Board is mandated to promote, regulate and develop tourism and culture in the country, adding that in doing so they will continue to support such trainings to meet international standards and best practices.
He urged the participants to promote The Gambia as not just sunshine and beautiful beaches but also a place of culture. He also urged them to implement the knowledge gained towards building a national calendar of festivals.
