By Yunus S Saliu
Commending the youth of Janjangbureh Community at the just concluded Janjangbureh Kankurang Festival held in Janjangbureh, Central River Region (CRR) on their leadership role in the event, the UN Resident Coordinator also used the opportunity to remind them of their duty as guardians of their heritage, keepers of their culture and the protectors of their fauna and flora.
Speaking on the Value of Community Development through Tourism in line with UN 2030 Agenda, the UN Resident Coordinator, Seraphine Wakana said that Tourism is a big economic driver in The Gambia. The sector which she said accounts for 17% of total employment, supporting more than 35,000 direct and 40,000 indirect jobs as well as generating $85 million in foreign exchange earnings.
On the Tourism Industry, she explained that, it is not just about money and jobs but on the preservation of our culture, heritage and history. It is also, she continued, about safeguarding the environment and sharing experiences with others.
Madam Wakana disclosed among other objectives that the Gambia National Development Plan aims to promote “an inclusive and culture-centered tourism for sustainable growth.” She went on further that “this objective is aligned to many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.” They relates directly or indirectly to goals like providing decent work and economic growth, responsible consumption and production, zero hunger, good health and well being, quality education and gender equality.
Beyond the beautiful beaches and hotels in the Greater Banjul Area, she said that the United Nations through the Community-based development programme being implemented by the Gambia Tourism Board in partnership with the International Trade Centre and the Youth Empowerment Project promotes developing Tourism on upcountry to encourage Tourists to visit and appreciate what The Gambia offers. “This is necessary not only to increase the contribution of the Tourism Sector to National Development but also to give rural communities the ownership of the various sites,” she emphasized.
The UN Resident Coordinator also outlined the importance of partnership between all the Stakeholders including Development partners, civil society, and the private sector which she said that it is critical to unlock fully the potential of Tourism in The Gambia.
However, she assured that the UN System in The Gambia will continue to work with partners to support the government in its efforts to strengthen the Tourism Industry and make The Gambia, popularly known as the Smiling Coast of Africa, and also the destination of choice.
