By: Yunus S Saliu
In a nearer period, The Gambia and Ghana tourism industry will advance further and grow from strength to strength as both the Gambia Hotel Association (GHA) and Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF), Wednesday, jointly signed a Memorandum of Understanding which will enhance the advancement of tourism in the two countries.
The signed MoU between tourism stakeholders of the two countries will definitely add significant value to destination Gambia tourism sector especially now that all year round tourism recently kicked-off in the country – meaning no more off season in the destination.
The MoU among other things will address sustainable tourism development through enhancement of The Gambia products and innovative marketing strategies. This with the aim of further strengthens sub-regional cooperation between the private sectors, NGOs and our communities in the areas of tourism development in the two countries.
Addressing the partners, Bunama Njie, Chairman Gambia Hotel Association said the project contains in the MoU will uplift Gambia tourism sector to higher heights. He continued by considering the fact that to remain competitive in a very challenging world of tourism environment “there is great need for innovation and provision of high quality product and marketing strategies that are matched by services of international standard and predicated on our uniqueness as destinations,” he disclosed.
Chairman Njie pointed out the significance of which he said will increase the contribution of tourism to the countries’ economies and by extension raises the living standards of the people while he assured that tourism stakeholders will steadfastly continue to work with all well-meaning partners in the two countries and beyond.
He added that robust scope of collaboration plan has been developed, which seeks to transform the sector in a positive and dynamic way that responds to the contemporary challenges of tourism.
On her part, Bella Ahu, President Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) expressed optimism about the signed MoU saying “it is not going to stall but will come out very successful.”
She described the MoU as a breakthrough that marked the consolidation of building the relationship of the two countries’ tourism industry to bring the practicing into reality.
President Ahu said the two great countries have all it takes to make the hospitality industry contribute positively and qualitatively to the growth of the two destinations, the people and as well their communities. She added that “the two destinations to be one in the eyes of the international travelers as the countries attractions, complimentary, diversity of its eco system, accommodations, cultures, cuisines, health services, communications, and inland travels are all here.”
The GHATOF delegation to The Gambia for the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding included representative of the government and public sectors, tour operators for inbound and outbound travels, international hospitality consultant among others while The Gambia representative included officials of GTBoard, GTHI, Tour Operators, GCCI, members of GHA among others.
The detail terms contain in the signed Memorandum of Understanding was read aloud to the partners by Marion Nyan prior the signing while Sheik TIjan Nyang presided over the event.