The Gambia Tourism Board has launched a stakeholder engagement with craft market operators as part of efforts to improve the environment in which artisans and other tourism businesses operate.

The engagement, led by GTBoard Director General Ida Jeng Njie, took the board to craft markets in Banjul, Bakau and Fajara, where officials met with people working in the sector to listen to their concerns and discuss possible solutions.

Addressing the stakeholders, Ida Jeng Njie stressed that their participation is central to the board’s plans to improve the tourism sector.

“You’re the stakeholders. We need you because we are working for you,” she told the craft market operators.

She said the board would work with the stakeholders to identify suitable locations and improve the conditions at the markets.
“We will find a place for you, but for the short time, we will do the signage, space and location for you,” she said.

The GTBoard boss said the long-term objective is to create a more organised and attractive environment for craft market operators and tourists.

“We need to work with you and build a market that is very conducive and appetising,” she added.

The engagement forms part of the board’s wider consultations with tourism stakeholders across the country. Last week, the GTBoard also toured rural communities as it continues its outreach to people directly involved in the tourism industry.

Ida Jeng Njie also thanked Tourism Minister Abdoulie Jobe for his support, saying he would engage the Minister of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs, Hamat Bah, on the possibility of securing land for the craft market operators.

She said the proposed engagement with the Lands Ministry would seek to facilitate the allocation of suitable land where a more organised craft market could be developed for the stakeholders.

The GTBoard said continued engagement with operators remains important as it seeks to better understand challenges within the sector and work with stakeholders towards improving the tourism experience for visitors while supporting those whose livelihoods depend on the industry.

By Adama Makasuba