By Hafsa Obeng, GNA
Accra, Oct. 28, GNA – A tourism delegation from The Gambia has paid a courtesy call on Ghana’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts to explore avenues for strengthening tourism cooperation through destination promotion, institutional collaboration, capacity building and increased visitor exchange between the two countries.
The delegation, led by Ms Arnie Njie, Permanent Secretary, was also in Ghana to strengthen bilateral tourism relations and identify opportunities for collaboration.
The delegation was received by Mr Yussif Issaka Jajah, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, on behalf of the sector Minister, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie.
Speaking during the meeting, Ms Njie said the visit was intended to facilitate the sharing of experiences, build strategic partnerships and identify practical ways to promote Ghana and The Gambia as attractive tourism destinations.
She emphasised the need to translate discussions into concrete actions through reciprocal visits, institutional partnerships, and stronger engagement between public and private sector stakeholders.
The delegation comprised representatives from key institutions and organisations within The Gambia’s tourism industry, including civil aviation authorities, tourism training institutions and private-sector operators.
Ms Njie said the composition of the delegation reflected the importance of coordinated efforts in destination marketing, aviation connectivity, professional training, and tourism service delivery.
Mr Jajah commended the delegation for adopting an inclusive approach by involving representatives from various tourism-related institutions.
He said the visit would strengthen institutional relationships and lay the foundation for future collaboration in destination promotion, tourism product development, professional training and cultural exchange.
“It will also create opportunities for both countries to encourage reciprocal travel, expand tourism markets and generate economic benefits for their citizens,” he said.
Mr Jajah explained that the Ministry was responsible for formulating policies to guide the tourism, culture and creative arts sectors, while implementation was carried out by its agencies and other relevant institutions.
He welcomed the delegation’s planned engagements with Ghanaian tourism agencies, noting that the interactions would provide valuable insights into the country’s tourism administration, institutional arrangements and operational framework.
Mr Jajah said the Ministry was ready to engage the delegation on Ghana’s tourism policy framework and explore areas of mutual interest to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
He also underscored the importance of direct engagement among tourism authorities, institutions and industry stakeholders in building sustainable partnerships and enhancing the competitiveness of both destinations.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Hafsa Obeng