The Gambia is seeking more Nigerian tourists and stronger business partnerships as it moves to deepen cooperation between the tourism industries of both countries.
Gambian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Abdoulie Jobe, made the call during an engagement with Nigerian tourism stakeholders at the 22nd Akwaaba Travel Market Expo in Lagos. He said tourism could transform the longstanding cultural and people-to-people ties between Nigeria and The Gambia into greater movement of people, stronger businesses and shared economic opportunities.
Jobe urged Nigerian travel operators to look beyond The Gambia’s traditional role as a holiday destination and explore commercial partnerships, stressing that increased tourism would require deliberate cooperation and action. Director-General of the Gambia Tourism Board, Ida Njie, also called for closer collaboration with Nigerian tour operators and travel agents, while encouraging travel journalists and content creators to experience the country’s attractions firsthand.
ValueJet Chief Commercial Officer, Trevor Henry, said the airline had operated between Nigeria and The Gambia for 16 months, currently offering three weekly flights. He added that the airline extended the Banjul route to Accra, Ghana, in May, providing wider regional connectivity. The three-day Akwaaba Travel Market Expo, holding from Sept. 13 to Sept. 15, brings together key tourism stakeholders from across the industry.
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