By Yunus S Saliu
In what could be described as an unannounced tour, the new Minister of Tourism and Culture, on Tuesday, 4th April 2024 embarked on a surprise visit to seven tourist markets across the tourism development area (TDA) starting from the Banjul Craft Market in Albert Market, Banjul.
Honourable Abdoulie Jobe was accompanied on this August visit by the Permanent and Deputy Permanent Secretaries – Ma’am Cordu L Jabang-Senghore and Isatou Drammehrespectively with other senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and as well as of the Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard).
The seven craft markets visited included Banjul Craft Market, Cape Point Craft Market, Bakau Craft Market, Fajar Craft Market, Kotu Craft Market known as BB Craft Market, Palma Rima Craft Market, and Senegambia Craft Market, while visiting other craft markets will follow in due time.
The visit to these craft markets otherwise known as tourist markets is for the authorities, especially the new Minister and team to familiarise themselves with their modus operandi, meeting them one-on-one for direct interaction and having first-hand information about them regarding their business constraints, expectations, and way forward.
The craft vendors at various markets applauded Minister Jobeand his team for taking the time to reach out to them without any delay.
Their different complaints were laid on the table including but not limited to the need for renovation of their stalls, inadequate water or water supply, especially to their toilet facilities, inadequate spaces as more people are interested in selling at craft markets, not allowed displaying craft materials at the hotels, all-inclusive package, and even airport tax
However, all their complaints were taken note by the Minister and team.
Responding to the vendors and executives at various points, Honourable Minister Jobe commended them for their daily endeavors while assuring them of the Ministry’s good plans in the offing for them, with a note that all their problems might not be solved once but will be attended to gradually.
He disclosed that among the plans is bringing back tourists from one of the traditional markets – Scandinavian which has stopped for sometimes back to Destination Gambia.
In his readiness and openness to work with them and improve the tourism industry together, he told them that he operates open open-door policy, as his door is wide open for all when it comes to lifting the industry to a higher height.
The Minister dilated the importance of tourism in the economy of the country to the vendors and outlined its opportunities which include job creation and employment, revenue generation, and infrastructure among other developments.
Ma’am Cordu L Jabang-Senghore at each point also addressed the vendors and alluded to the words of the Minister while encouraging them to continue working hard to bring the market back to its good glory.