Nigeria-Gambia Tourism Partnership Takes Flight with New Specialist Certification
A groundbreaking initiative has fortified the tourism partnership between Nigeria and Gambia, with nearly 90 Nigerian travel agents receiving certification as Gambia Tourism Destination Specialists. This specialized training, conducted by the Gambia Institute of Tourism and Hospitality (GTHI), marks a significant step towards boosting intra-African tourism and unlocking new business opportunities for travel professionals across the region.
The intensive four-day program equipped participants with expertise in sales, marketing, destination management, and emerging global tourism trends. A key component involved firsthand exploration of Gambia’s diverse tourism assets, providing practical insights into the destination’s offerings. This immersive approach ensures these newly minted specialists can effectively promote Gambia’s unique attractions to the Nigerian market and beyond.
This collaboration comes at a pivotal time for Gambian tourism. The country anticipates over 232,000 tourists in the 2024/2025 season, reflecting a steady upward trend in international arrivals. With 57 weekly flights currently servicing the destination, including direct connections from Nigeria via carriers like Air Peace and flyvaluejet, accessibility is improving, creating fertile ground for increased tourism traffic.
The certification program holds immense potential for economic growth. Analysis suggests that each specialist could potentially influence around 200 tourists annually. With enhanced marketing efforts, this could translate to an estimated \$37.8 million in economic impact by 2028, a substantial boost driven by increased visitor spending and the multiplier effect within the tourism sector.
The GTHI plays a crucial role in developing a skilled tourism workforce. Graduating approximately 400 students each year with a remarkable 95% employment rate, the institute contributes significantly to Gambia’s tourism infrastructure. Its regional training annexes further extend this impact, empowering rural youth with hospitality skills and fostering economic development across the country.
This partnership between Nigeria and Gambia signifies a broader trend of strengthened tourism collaboration within West Africa. Both governments have expressed commitment to fostering bilateral tourism through direct flights, professional exchanges, and joint marketing initiatives. This collaborative spirit is further evidenced by regional tourism expos and projects like the Tourism Diversification and Resilience in The Gambia Project (TDRGP), which aims to improve data systems and promote sustainable tourism practices.
For African travel agents, this certification program presents a valuable opportunity. By leveraging their specialized knowledge of Gambia’s tourism landscape, agents can curate attractive travel packages, tap into a growing market, and contribute to the burgeoning intra-African travel sector. The enhanced air connectivity between Nigeria and Gambia further facilitates this potential, making it easier for travelers to experience the unique offerings of “The Smiling Coast of Africa.”
The commitment of both nations to professional development within the tourism sector underscores the importance of skilled professionals in driving growth and shaping a sustainable future for African tourism. This certification program serves as a model for future collaborations, demonstrating the power of partnerships in unlocking the vast potential of the African travel market.
