By Yunus S Saliu
The Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Monday, inaugurated a national Air Access Committee as the government of The Gambia intends to make a firm commitment to the ‘open skies’ agreements already signed.
The already signed ‘open skies’ agreement is meant to spur potential investors in the sector to provide air services to The Gambia.
The sizable newly inaugurated member of the National Air Access Committee consists of some experienced businessmen/women from the sector and a few number of government officials.
In his inaugural remarks, the Minister of Tourism and Culture, Honorable Hamat NK Bah thanked the member for accepting the appointment to serve as committee member for the National Air Access.
The Minister dwelt and emphasized on the important of the national air access to the country, the sector and as well to individual.
He noted that the 1998 Yamoussoukro Declaration paved way for ‘Open Skies’ agreement in Africa.
Among other things, he reiterated that the inaugurated committee for the National Air Access is to advice the government of The Gambia on how and measures to put in place to facilitate air access to the country to increase tourism arrivals. The committee member is to formulate policy measures to work effectively and efficiently with potential partners and investors in the sector to improve air access. More so, they are responsible for the effective implementation of the policies and strategies that will promote year round tourism for destination Gambia.
Having reiterated the importance and mandate of the committee, he urged the member to go into action without time wasting as authority is awaiting a positive answer from them soonest.
The committee member will be chaired by Abdoulie Hydara, Director General Gambia Tourism Board.