Nancy Njie, the secretary of state for Tourism and Culture, recently led a delegation to various hotels in the greater Banjul area. The aim of the visit was to assess major construction and refurbishment taking place in tourism industry.

According to a press release from The Gambia Tourism Authority (GTA), SoS Njie and delegation visited some major hotels and had discussions with hoteliers on issues pertaining to the state of prepardness for the year 2008/2009 tourist season.

The tour of projects, the release added, covered the Ocean View Apartments in Fajara, Sun Beach Hotel, Corinthia Atlantic, Kombo Beach Hotel, Senegambia Beach Hotel, Bijilo Beach Hotel, Coco Ocean Spa and Resort and the Sheraton Resort. 

The release went on to say that the SoS had the opportunity to see at first hand all the facilities and renovations carried out during the just ended tourist season. Hoteliers expressed hope and optimism with the tourist season 2008/09 despite the current trend at the international travel industry.

Speaking during the tour, SoS Njie underscored the significant contribution of tourism to the economy of The Gambia and encouraged all stakeholders to carry on with the good work of developing the sector.  She assured stakeholders of her maximum cooperation and promised to work with them to address their concerns, especially on matters pertaining to the safety and security of visitors.

She thanked all stakeholders for their support and urged them to carry on with the good work for the mutual benefit of all Gambians.

Accompanying SoS Njie on the tour where Alieu Mboge, director general of the GTA, Binta Jobe, director of Quality Control and Enforcement, GTA, Alieu Secka, chairman Gambia Hotel Association and Mariatou Foon-Nyan, secretary, Gambia Hotel Association.