By Lamin Njie
Senegalese tourism professionals visiting The Gambia on a familiarisation tour have expressed strong interest in the country’s tourism attractions, particularly its growing potential for eco-tourism and nature-based experiences.
The delegation, led by Youssouph Diallo, President of the Collective des Acteurs du Tourisme au Sénégal (CATS), is in The Gambia for a week-long educational familiarisation tour organised by the Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard).
Speaking during the tour, Diallo said the delegation was invited by the GTBoard to explore tourism attractions and facilities across the country and identify destinations and experiences they could recommend to their clients.
“Our first impression is very good because we received a very warm welcome on arrival and this continues,” he said.
The delegation visited Katchikally Crocodile Sacred Pool, Yabouy Home Cooking, Tanji Fishing Village and Monkey Park, where members were introduced to some of The Gambia’s cultural, culinary and nature-based tourism attractions.
Diallo described the sites as interesting, singling out bird-watching as one of the highlights of the tour.
He said the experience provided the delegation with detailed information about different bird species, their habitats and the various bird-watching sites available across the country.
According to Diallo, bird-watching presents significant opportunities for attracting European tourists, many of whom have a strong interest in nature and wildlife experiences.
“As Senegalese tourism professionals, we are here to learn how to attract tourists who are very interested in bird-watching,” he said.
He also praised Monkey Park for its contribution to wildlife conservation and nature-based tourism, describing it as an important attraction for visitors seeking environmentally friendly experiences.
“Monkey Park is very interesting because it helps protect the animals living here. It is also very important for tourism because nature is part of tourism,” Diallo said.
He stressed the need for tourism operators to promote environmentally responsible experiences, noting that The Gambia has considerable potential to develop its eco-tourism sector.
“We have to focus mainly on this to promote eco-tourism and eco-friendly visits, and The Gambia is a country that is ready for this,” he said.
The familiarisation tour is part of ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the GTBoard to strengthen tourism cooperation between The Gambia and Senegal and promote cross-border tourism.
As part of the programme, the delegation on Thursday participated in a business-to-business (B2B) networking session with Gambian tourism stakeholders.
The session provided an opportunity for tourism operators from both countries to explore potential partnerships, exchange ideas and identify opportunities for promoting travel between The Gambia and Senegal.
The Senegalese delegation is also scheduled to visit the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre and ABCas Creek Lodge before concluding its visit to The Gambia.
