By Mama A. Touray & Sainabou Gassama
The treasurer of the National Tourism Guide Association has urged stakeholders working in tourism industry to adhere to the Covid-19 mandatory preventive measures as the tourist winter season is about to resume.
Yusupha Dibba in an interview with this reporters said adhere to the laid down rule is very important as it will help to prevent the spread and contact of the coronavirus pandemic which has brought the industry to a comma since March 2021.
Most of the bars and restaurants, he said, are complying with rules and they are ready to work hand in hand with the tourism board “because it not about who but about The Gambia.
Further to that, he reflected on the situation which Covid-19 has put everyone since it emerged in the country whereby many, till date, becomes jobless “so if the season is knocking at the door to come we should do everything to welcome it onboard to bring back the hail days of the sector.”
However, on their state of preparedness for the season, he said they are fully prepared now looking forward to first arrival of the season due soonest.
Mr. Dibba added that they believe that Covid-19 is something that is staying while people should learn how to stay with it taking to consideration all required preventive measures “for us and for our guests.”
“We as national tourism guide members are vaccinated and we are encouraging others in the sector to go take the vaccine too, Covid-19 is real, it is killing people around the world,” he stated.
He noted that his association his directly under Gambia Tourism Board who is under the tutelage of Ministry of Tourism and Culture and GTBoard has been providing them with necessary information and protective measure and items including sanitizers, facemasks; hand washing items and so on.
His members, he said, are financially challenged now as they have been sitting for over 18 months without any work, “the government is trying although, it is a difficult moment because it is not just only in The Gambia there is Covid-19 but globally.
“Anyway, it is a difficult moment for everyone but let’s all come together as a nation and look for way forward by preparing ourselves for the season to receive our guests,” he called on everybody.