Africas biggest hamper

Senate president unveils Africa’s biggest hamper

Written by AUSTIN JACOBSON

Tuesday, 21 December 2010 22:30

As part of its commitment to promoting cultural tourism, the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) has unveiled Africa’s biggest hamper at the on-going Carnival Calabar. The unveiling of the hamper which coincided with the flag-off of this year’s edition of Carnival Calabar was officially done by the Senate President, Senator David Mark, who was represented by Senator Ewa Henshaw. The Governor of Cross River State, Governor Liyel Imoke, and his Deputy Barr. Effion Cobhan and their wives Obioma and Gloria respectively, as well as former Senator, Mrs Ita Giwa were also present at the occasion. Senator David Mark praised the NTDC for the innovation at this year’s Carnival Calabar, urging all stakeholders in various fields to develop special unique products that are capable of bringing into the country tourists from all over the world “This carnival stands out as one of the veritable platforms on which we can achieve this purpose.  An example is what we are witnessing today, this unique and biggest cultural hamper in Africa.  This cultural hamper represents all the 36 states and FCT,” he added. Senator Mark said that with the size of the hamper, Nigeria has scored another first in product development in tourism offerings, calling on all Nigerians to work together as a people to achieve successes and goals for the nation. He commended the NTDC under the leadership of Otunba Olusegun Runsewe for always introducing tourism innovative products including “this biggest cultural hamper.”  He also commended the governor of Cross River State for sustaining this yearly carnival which today stands out as a pride to Nigeria. Speaking at the occasion, the Director General of the NTDC, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, said the hamper contains a product each from the 36 states of the federation and the FCT. “This hamper which is the biggest on the continent of Africa contains everything about Nigeria, it is about our cultural values which we cherish a lot,” he said.

Tourism can sustain global development, eradicate poverty —UN General Assembly

Written by AUSTIN JACOBSON

Friday, 24 December 2010 22:30

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted by consensus at its 65th session three separate resolutions emphasizing the role of tourism in sustainable development. The three resolutions, on the implementation of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, on the promotion of ecotourism, and on the importance of sustainable tourism for Small Island Developing States, stress the significance of the sector to the development agenda in terms of sustainability, employment, and poverty elimination. The resolutions further welcomed the efforts and work of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in promoting sustainable tourism for poverty eradication. The resolution on the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism welcomed the work of UNWTO, of its World Committee on Tourism Ethics, and the increasing level of institutional and legal commitment by member states towards the implementation of the code. The resolution recognized the need to promote the development of sustainable tourism and increase the benefits from tourism for host communities, while maintaining their cultural and environmental integrity and enhancing the protection of ecologically-sensitive areas and natural heritages. Likewise, it recognized the need to promote the development of sustainable tourism and address the challenges of climate change and halt the loss of biodiversity. The resolution further reiterated the invitation to the member states and other tourism stakeholders that have not yet done so, in particular the private sector, to integrate the principles of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism in their relevant legislation, professional practices, and codes of conduct. The resolution encouraged UNWTO, through its World Committee on Tourism Ethics and its permanent secretariat in Italy, to continue to promote and disseminate the code. It invited the UN member states and other stakeholders to support the activities undertaken by UNWTO for the promotion of responsible and sustainable tourism. The resolution on the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism encapsulated the results of the General Assembly’s consideration of a report by UNWTO and was sponsored by 32 countries, with Honduras as the lead sponsor.

Roots Festival

Roots Festival will project West Africa

Written by AUSTIN JACOBSON

Tuesday, 18 January 2011 23:30

The tourism industry is gradually becoming the mainstay of many economies in the world including Africa’s. For instance, The Gambia heavily depends on tourism, which accounts for more than 70 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Products (GDP). In this interview during a tour of The Gambia, AUSTIN JACOBSON, spoke with The Gambia’s Minister of Tourism and Culture, Fatou MAS Jobe Njie, who shed more light on The Gambian government’s efforts at improving the sector. Excerpts: The private sector has been the back bone of the tourism industry in The Gambia. What is the government doing to assist the sector to achieve its full potential? The government considers the sector to be important in the development of the economy. As a result, we set up the Gambia Investment Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA) to be very close to the private sector with regard to providing them with the required back up and assistance when they want to set up a business and also encourage foreign investors to come to Gambia.  We also have the Gambia Chamber of Commerce which works very closely with the private sector and when it comes to tourism, the ministry works closely with all the stakeholders; and all the stakeholders in the tourism sector are all private-driven. So we try as much as possible to meet the needs of the private sector because the Gambia’s government is very keen and determined to support their growth and development not just the supporting but providing infrastructure that will make the sector grow to the desired level. What is the government doing to sustain inflow of tourists despite the seasonal changes? Now The Gambia has been in tourism since 1965. Some over 40 years now we have very focused and packaged tours and we relied mainly on field tour operators mainly from the UK, Scandinavia and Germany. Now these people of course are interested in the sand, sun and beaches but gone are the days when this is the concentration and a lot of other packaged destinations are being put in place. The Gambia’s government still works closely with the private sector in this area. We want to now diversify and in order to create a year round tourism calendar, there is still a lot to do. Firstly, The Gambia is still not known; let’s take Nigeria for instance, there are still many people who don’t know Gambia, when you say Gambia they say Zambia and now in other to get tourists from Nigeria and order African destinations to come to Gambia we need to create the required awareness. We have to embark on aggressive destination marketing because to us this is very important and our number one priority. We need to develop regional tourism rather than depend on packaged tours. We have to encourage individual tourism; we need to encourage packaged tours from other African countries for leisure, birthdays, conferences, seminars and business meetings because all the facilities to host these functions are on ground. Another important thing is our product development. We need to look into and redevelop our product. We have a beautiful river and within those rivers we have over 20 islands. We need to be able to create and provide the necessary infrastructure and encourage transport tourism. As a government we need to look into sports tourism and more optical tourism. we need to look into eco-tourism and looking at diversifying from the sun, beaches and sand, opening up our doors to all year round tourism and one key element the government is working on right now is aggressive destination marketing. And to this end, we have developed a five-year marketing plan and a five-year business plan to map out the way forward and to achieve these objectives. The Roots Festival is coming up very soon. As it is, it is also a way to market the Gambia’s tourism potentials. Can you explain how you intend to use the festival to further boost your marketing drive? I think Roots is like what we call heritage tourism because we are encouraging African migrants and Africans in Diaspora to come back to their roots. Recently we have started airing the Roots series on our television every Tuesdays and Wednesdays because we intend to create awareness among our people on what happened to them years back. Kontar Kunte was born in Duffrey.  Duffrey is in the Gambia and that is why we are asking the Gambians in the Diaspora to come back and experience what it is to be a true African. Because when you are out there you do not know where you are coming from or where you belong and with this particular festival we are trying to use it to encourage African migrants in America and the Diasporas to come back to the Gambia to experience the Roots Festival. They may be tourists today but they could be investors tomorrow. We are also organizing this Roots Festival to coincide with the Black History month, which is February. This is the first time the Root Festival is being organized during the high season to pick up tourism attendance because usually, it is organized in June and because of the new trend now where we encourage packaged tours it could be from Nigeria, UK and around the world to come and experience the Roots programme. We have what we call the Roots pilgrimage where tourists go through the heritage trait of Duffrey. We also have the foot and path which is the rite of passage; you remember the film ROOTS-Kontar Kunte completed the rite of passage in Duffrey before being captured so we try to take the participants through the root and path. The opening ceremony is going to be like a carnival showing the true African culture. It could show case Nigeria, Ghana, Togo or any other African country. So, we want Africans to come, not just come, but as tourists and participate in the Festival that showcases the beauty of the Gambia.

Gambia

Nigerians want comfort, value for money —Aimjnkie, Discovery Tours in The Gambia boss

Written by AUSTIN JACOBSON

Tuesday, 15 February 2011 14:52

Nigeria has the largest market and potential in tourism in the West African region and because of this many other countries, not only in the sub-region, but also across board, are coming to the country to tap these resources. AUSTIN JACOBSON spoke with Farma Njie, the proprietor and manager of Discovery Tours in The Gambia and she spoke on the moves to capture the Nigerian market among other issues. Excerpts: Tell us about Discovery Tours and the way it will benefit Nigerian market? After many years of representing the European tour market in The Gambia by organizing tours and representing local tour operators, we felt it was time to go into the Nigerian market. We have been in the European market for a long time which is seasonal and that is why we felt it is time for us to harness the Nigerian market. We also service other multi-national companies both in Nigeria and Europe and the market is improving every day. With the support of the authority we are doing well. Talking about selling The Gambia, new destination and development, can you tell us about the tourist sites been developed? It is time we look for new destinations like ecotourism, we have been going to Makasuku and Sintanuku camps using executive cruise. We have been going there for over 30 years and I think it is time to create something new. When we talk about Nigeria market, we know they are looking for comfort and you have to give them value for their money. Is your organization selling community tourism? If you are talking about Omakan, yes. It is a new concept and it needs to be encouraged, it is not everybody that likes to go to the beach. How do you intend to sell these destinations? We are going to be selling all year round, we need to enlighten people more and we should go on television and sell to locals. We should include in the school curriculum the importance of tourism and that we need a collective action to keep things going. Has business been profitable? Yes it has been but not too encouraging, we are into new products and intend to give the best of services and by the time you do this they will come back again.

Gambia

‘Nigerians will soon be rushing to The Gambia’

Written by Austin Jacobson

Friday, 18 February 2011 23:09

Tourism is gradually taking over the economies of most countries in Africa and becoming the highest employer of labour. In this interview, AUSTIN JACOBSON spoke with the Chairman of The Gambia Hotel Association Mr. Alieu Senka, who explained the impact the hospitality sector has made on the tourism industry and other innovations been introduced to boost the sector in The Gambia. Excerpts: What other aspect of attraction is been added to tourism in Gambia? The other aspect of tourism that is been added to the already existing ones is the park life, in particular, we do have 500 species of bird in the Gambia between October to February and at this very moment we are looking forward to welcoming these birds and that is why the Golden Beach Hotel is maintaining its forest habitat so that it will be a natural habitat for these bird. This certainly is one of the aspects that will bring more visitors to the Golden Beach and Gambia. As the chairman of the Gambia Hotel Association what other aspect of hospitality needs to be added to the already spectacular service in existence? This is an ongoing process. Over the years, tourism has been growing in Gambia and we want to improve the standard of service by increasing the quality of service delivery. Also, we at the Gambia Hotel Association and all the stake holders are trying to organize a training session and a refresher course to ensure that the level of service continues. We also have to make sure that our marketing strategy is properly planned and that is one of the reasons why we are pleased to welcome more and more visitors from Nigeria to experience what Europeans that have been coming to Gambia have been experiencing. I am sure there are a lot more things to be discovered from the Gambia and with the feed back we get, we hope to improve on it. What is the GHA doing to further bring other hotels in to the fold and increase the bar of excellence in the sector? As a matter of fact most hotels are members of the Gambia Hotel Association and only the recent hotels that have just come on board are not members.  Due to what we do at the GHA, most hotels want to be part of us, we represent the biggest arm in the sector in the tourism in Gambia and we also have a very effective secretariat that works well and is well recognized, we work efficiently in conjunction with the Gambian government and Gambia tourism authority together with the other stake holders in doing some marketing and other campaigns we do overseas. So we will continue in that process to be relevant and do more for the sector. Economically, what are the stake holders doing to make up for the short falls of the low season that comes with tourism in Gambia? We are working on encouraging Africans to travel during the summer to Gambia. This is because the Europeans, who come around during winter, leave the country once it’s summer time in Europe. At this period the hotels are vacant for Africans to use. Hence we are hoping to have our own African brothers come and spend vacation in Gambia. As you will also know Africans do not travel much but we intend to use the various aspects which include culture, costumes and other African background to stimulate travels by Africans to make for this short falls in the summer. We are also working on making Nigerians and other Africans to discover and come to Gambia, discover and enjoy all these things the Europeans have been enjoying particularly Africans that travel during this period.

Gambia

Gambian delegation takes destination marketing to Milan.

Written by AUSTIN JACOBSON

Tuesday, 15 March 2011 23:00

In line with the new marketing strategy, which seeks to increase awareness of destination Gambia through  direct marketing, a high level delegation comprising senior officials of the tourism and travel trade, hoteliers as well as investment executives undertook a highly effective sales Blitz in Milan, Italy from the 17th – 23rd February, 2011. The delegation was led by the Minister of Tourism & Culture  Fatou Mas Jobe-Njie (supported by following top level officials – Mr Oreme E Joiner, Chair GTA Board, Mr Alieu Secka – Chair, GHA,  Mr  Charbel Hobeika – Chair, TTAG, Ms Fatou Mbenga Jallow – CEO of GIEPA, Ms Ida Jeng Njie – Director of Tourism International (GTA) Mr Lamin Saho – Director of Marketing, GTA , Mr Baboucarr Cham- Director of Commerce- GCAA, Mr Lamin Cham – Director of Commerce GIA, Mr Juergen Odenwald – Gen. Manager, Ocean Bay Hotel as well as Ms Oumie Sise – Assistant Manager – Discovery Tours ). The campaign which lasted for one week was designed to showcase Gambia in terms of tourism attractions, investment opportunities, culture and culinary delights. The other objective seeks to increase tourist traffic between destination Gambia and Italy and at the same time boost investment and air links between the two countries. The sales blitz was a follow up to previous engagements in Italy, initiated by the Hon. Minister to drum up awareness and network with Italian Tour Operators and Investment executives. To take this engagement to another level, the delegation participated in the International Tourism Exchange (BIT MILAN) which was held from the 17th – 20th February, 2011. This trade fair serves as a magnet to attract participants from all over the world. The Gambian stand was the scene of a very effective and interactive promotional campaign for four days, to give out promotional materials and conduct series of high level meetings.  To further engage potential tourists on the unique selling points of the Smiling Coast in terms of tourist attractions and investment opportunities a Gambia Showcase and B2 B Meetings were arranged under the aegis of the Gambian Consul General in Milan to showcase the Smiling Coast as an ideal investment and tourist haven. Given the fact the Milan Campaign coincided with the 46th Independence Anniversary Celebrations, a very interactive programme was organized under the aegis of the Consul General and in attendance were a cross section of the Gambian community in Italy. The Honorable Minister was the Chief Guest of Honor and she used the opportunity to deliver the President’s Independence Anniverssary Message to the assembled dignitaries. The evening wrapped up with a cultural performance by a locally based Bouccarabou Group, to the delight of the guests. To Crown the campaign, a fashion show was organized in the Museum of Natural Arts in the heart of Milan dedicated to showcasing the rich fashion and culinary delights of the Smiling Coast. In attendance were high profile contacts in Milan, including senior officials of the Milan City council and business executives from the Lombardia region as well as a cross section of the Gambian community in Milan. This Italian campaign, which has been dedicated to showcasing the unique selling point of destination Gambia in terms of tourist attractions, investment opportunities, culture and culinary delights was rated very successful, and as pointed out by the Honorable Minister ‘this people to people contact has cemented the already excellent Bilateral relations between the Gambia and Italy as well as boost tourist flow’. As such similar campaigns will be organized in other source markets and the overall objective is to reposition the smiling coast as the most sought after destination in Africa.

Idanre Hills

Idanre Hill: One of Nigeria’s nature wonders

Written by AUSTIN JACOBSON

Tuesday, 22 March 2011 23:00

Nigeria is one of the most gifted countries in terms of nature and conservation, the country can boast of one of the best tourism destinations in the world with natural preservation which can compare with any other in the world. Among this wonders of nature in Nigeria is the Idanre Hill which consists of high plain with spectacular valleys interspersed with inselbergs of about 3,000 ft above sea level. Its physical attributes include Owa’s Palace, Shrines, Old Court, Belfry, Agbooogun footprint, thunder water and burial mounds and grounds. The hill which has a historical background attached to it by the people is a tourist attraction which is visited by tourist from across the globe and a source of economic gain to the people of the area. The Idanre Hill is one of the most awesome and beautiful natural landscapes in Ondo State and a tourist haven where scores of international tourists come to year in year round. Added to its beauty which fires human curiosity is the fact that the entire people of Idanre lived on these boulders for almost a millennium. It also has diverse and variegated ecosystems of flora and fauna. Oke Idanre contains very important bio-physical and land form features whose interaction with the physical features created an enduring cultural landscape within the setting. There is the Ogun Festival, which is partly celebrated on top of the hills during October and Ije festival, which spread over seven days. The hill also plays host to a group of scientists and field researchers. The site is home to a group of bats and the people hold a unique festival of bats every year. The hill is being used by filmmakers as location for many of their films. In addition, the one and only Noble Prize Winner for Literature in Africa, Professor Wole Soyinka, wrote his longest poem titled “Idanre and other Poems.” Most settlements in Nigeria have, by nature and tradition, been around or attached to groves and hills. Majority of these groves and hills have either been abandoned or are now limited to very small areas. Idanre hill, however, like Dala Hill in Kano North West Nigeria has retained its qualities as the central moderating influence of the settlement pattern of Idanre people. Like Dala hill which started as an iron ore prospecting settlement and provided the foundation for the growth of Kano city, Idanre Hill forms the nucleus for the people in Idanre.