A delegation from the Canary Islands, Spain, is currently on an official visit to The Gambia to further strengthen the friendly and cordial bilateral relations between The Gambia and the Kingdom of Spain, particularly in the areas of tourism, and the possibility of bringing back the good old memories of Binta Canarias, flight in the blue skies of The Gambia.
during a meeting held at The Gambia Tourism Board at Kotu, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Honourable Abdoulie Jobe used the opportunity to thank the delegation for visiting The Gambia and reassured them of the commitment the government attached to the tourism sector.
The minister further described the tourism sector as critical to the country’s socio-economic development.
“This is why all hands should be on deck to take this sector to higher heights. “Your coming to the country is highly welcome; be assured that stakeholders in the tourism sector will assist you with all the necessary information you may need to know,” he said.
Minister Jobe believes that The Gambia can learn a lot from the Canary Islands, a well-known tourist destination in the world.
According to him, efforts are being put in place to increase the tourists arriving in the country and diversify the tourist products.
“We are currently on the implementation of a five-year project on the creative industries, focusing mainly on youth and women, sponsored by the European Union. We are also calling on you to help in awareness about destination Gambia in the Spanish market as well,” he added.
The Tourism Minister also mentioned plans for greening the entire Tourism Development Area (TDA) and the solarisation of the place.
He thanked the Spanish government for its intervention in renovating the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute, which he described as a great intervention.
Violeta Insa Sandoval, Charge d’Affaires of the Spanish Embassy in The Gambia, also took the opportunity on behalf of the visiting delegation to thank the government of The Gambia through the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
She promised to work closely with officials of the tourism sector to meet the expectations of the visiting delegation.
She acknowledged that The Gambia has a rich cultural heritage, which is a source for attracting tourists to The Gambia.
Abubacarr S. Camara, Director General of The Gambia Tourism Board, also spoke at the meeting, thanking the delegation for visiting The Gambia. He also reaffirmed his office’s willingness to work with the team.
The meeting was attended by Mrs. Amie Njie-Joof, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
