The Gambia seeks more tourist arrivals and business partnerships with Nigeria through deeper cooperation between the two countries’ tourism industries.
The Gambian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Abdoulie Jobe, said during an engagement with Nigerian tourism stakeholders at the 22nd Akwaaba Travel Market Expo in Lagos that tourism could help translate the existing historical, cultural and people-to-people ties between Nigeria and The Gambia into economic opportunities.
“Tourism gives us an opportunity to build on those foundations and translate our friendship into greater movement of people, stronger businesses, partnerships and shared economic opportunities,” he said.
He urged Nigerian travel trade operators to look beyond The Gambia’s traditional role as a tourism destination and develop stronger commercial relationships with the country.
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Jobe said the Gambian government wanted more Nigerians to visit, while Nigerian travel professionals could serve as a bridge between the two tourism markets.
He explained that the proposed growth would require deliberate cooperation rather than goodwill alone, with partnerships expected to produce concrete tourism results.
“This will not happen by chance. It will happen through partnership, commitment and action,” he said.
The minister also called on Nigerian media practitioners to support wider coverage of African tourism stories, particularly those showcasing cultural heritage and authentic experiences.
In her speech, Mrs Ida Njie, Director-General, Gambia Tourism Board, said that the country was seeking stronger cooperation with Nigerian tour operators and travel agents.
Njie urged influencers, content creators and travel journalists to visit The Gambia and experience its attractions independently before telling its story.
She said that tourism development depended on collaboration, describing partnerships, ideas and relationships as essential to creating memorable experiences for travellers.
On his part, the Chief Commercial Officer of ValueJet, Mr Trevor Henry, said that the airline had operated flights between Nigeria and The Gambia for 16 months.
Henry said that the airline currently operates three weekly flights between the two countries.
He added that ValueJet introduced Accra, Ghana, to its Banjul route in May, extending its connectivity beyond Nigeria and The Gambia.
The three-day expo, which opened on September 13, brings together tourism stakeholders, including policymakers, tourism boards, travel agents, airlines and tour operators.
