The Secretary of State for Tourism and Culture, Honorable Angela Bernadette Colley, has said that The Gambia is world renowned for her hospitality, charm, and cultural diversity. The Secretary of State made these remarks in Washington DC on Tuesday during a keynote address at a meeting with Tour Operators and Travel Agencies from the Metropolitan Washington DC area.

Secretary Colley, who is head of a US Promotion Tour by her Department of State, told the meeting that diversifying Gambian tourism involves a shift of focus from traditional package-tour business and a foray into up market with key focus on Gambian heritage and culture as a unique selling point. She went on, “In fact, since the publication of Alex Haley’s epic novel, Roots, which traces his ancestry back to the tiny village of Juffureh on the banks of the River Gambia, The Gambia has literally turned into a pilgrimage destination for Africans in the Diaspora.” She went on to add that these visitors are not attracted by leisure alone, but for a more loaded search for spiritual renewal and a reconnection with their land of ancestry.

The Minister noted that the main attraction for African-Americans has been the heritage of slavery, historic monuments, sights and sounds of significance of the slave trade, and other monuments which today are recognized by their inscription in the World Heritage List maintained by UNESCO. She added that various other products are developed, targeting a niche segment such as bird watching, luxury river cruises, golf courses, and soft adventures in the various nature trails. She reminded the meeting that The Gambia is most renowned for the warmth and friendliness of its people which serves as the foundation to the country’s reputation as the “Smiling Coast” of Africa.

The Ambassador of Washington, Dodou Bammy Jagne, also spoke and highlighted the historical ties between The Gambia and African-Americans.

Speaking on behalf of the Gambian Hotel Industry, its Association Chairman, Alieu Secka, pointed out the tremendous development made in this vital sector of tourism. He said today, The Gambia can stand tall the world over in the industry. He told Tour Operators, The Gambia Hotel Association is prepared to work with them.

The tour continues to Florida tomorrow.

( Culled from the Gambian Embassy web for the interest of Gambians)