The Association of Small Scale Enterprises in Tourism (ASSET) recently elected its new executive, which will stair-up the affairs of the association for the year 2008, during the association's annual general meeting (AGM), held at the Kololi Village Gallery.

The newly elected members include, Badou Bobb, Chairperson, Jainaba Gaye, Vice Chairperson, Olivia Gillen, Treasurer and Kabiro Manneh, Secretary General.

Adama Bah, Geri Mitchell, Sheik Tijan Nyang, James Roberts and Gai Haddy Sey, all of whom are ex-office members were also elected to support the new executive in their task.

Adama Bah, outgoing Chairman of the association highlighted some of the major achievements and challenges faced during the period. He further explained that in 2007, ASSET executive members deposited some funds at the Reliance Financial Services, to open a micro finance scheme, where their members can acquire loans to boost their businesses.

According to him, in 2007, ASSET got a Tourist Information Centre, located at the first floor of Timbooktoo-bookshop, adding that the centre gives information on Tourism as well as show case the products and services of ASSET members.

Mr Bah further revealed that the 2007 International Trade Fair on responsible Tourism named "Mboka" trade fair, which was jointly organised by ASSET and ONITS, a sister organisation in Dakar, Senegal, was another area where ASSET made a remarkable achievement.

He then urged ASSET members not to compromise quality standards, good customer care and services, describing The Gambia as an important tourist destination which according to him, is in the forefront of the tourist attraction areas world wide.